Yeah, it's quite a dilemma, F1 on the one hand is the category that shall produce the fastest racing car on earth (that's my understanding about F1 at least), but on the other hand, tests are forbidden. Even before the season they just have, what, 8 days?
Having this in mind, actually we must say new teams like HRT do a pretty good job. Just getting a chassis somewhere, not really having any knowledge and just being 4 seconds off a Red Bull, is not so bad, seriously. But of course, it still totally sucks for the audience.
Regarding the DRS, as you say, the zones suck, which is kinda what I mentioned above...simulation is not everything and is sometimes simply wrong, which makes the whole thing fail completely. And of course, let's not forget, developement of DRS costs money.
Instead of having DRS zones I'd just introduce "push to pass" where during a race you have, say, 20 opportunities to flap down your rear wing, or use Kers. Then the zones can suck as much as they like, it doesn't matter anymore. It's the driver's choice how and when to use it.
But apparently it's impossible for the FIA to copy something from the US. They needed several races to brand the tyres properly, and it's still not good. Again would be so easy.
Having this in mind, actually we must say new teams like HRT do a pretty good job. Just getting a chassis somewhere, not really having any knowledge and just being 4 seconds off a Red Bull, is not so bad, seriously. But of course, it still totally sucks for the audience.
Regarding the DRS, as you say, the zones suck, which is kinda what I mentioned above...simulation is not everything and is sometimes simply wrong, which makes the whole thing fail completely. And of course, let's not forget, developement of DRS costs money.
Instead of having DRS zones I'd just introduce "push to pass" where during a race you have, say, 20 opportunities to flap down your rear wing, or use Kers. Then the zones can suck as much as they like, it doesn't matter anymore. It's the driver's choice how and when to use it.
But apparently it's impossible for the FIA to copy something from the US. They needed several races to brand the tyres properly, and it's still not good. Again would be so easy.