I've noticed that in F1 2011, the only time I have DRS available is during practice sessions. I can never use DRS in my career races or in grand prix mode even after my crew chief tells me that "DRS is now available". Has anyone else encountered this problem?

I don't have 2011 yet, but could it be that the voice announcement is just coming after 2 laps, when it should become generally available?
You've got to be --literally-- within a second of the car you're overtaking and in certain zones of the track for it to function.

As previously stated, you have to be within 1 second of a car in front of you....any car, the one you battling for position with, a lapped car or a car lapping you.....when you hit the DRS detection zone.

As there's no split stopwatch for the detection zone, like for sector timings, you have to estimate what your distance is. You also have to know where the DRS activation and detection zones are. So far, the only track I've seen with an actual notification is the German GP, even though the CM forums says there's marker boards stating it at every track. Once you figure out where the actual activation zone, you can look before it for a white stripe across thet track to find out where the detection zone begins.

I use my installation lap to try to ID that.

Thanks for the info Raw and Steve.

Is there an indicator on the screen or wheel showing when it's available time-wise? I'm keen to try this out, just waiting for a good sale since I'm so bad with open wheels. LOL

Good thinking, Raw...forgot about that.

There's a green light on the wheel that's solidly lit when it's available....and blinks when it's active. I don't know if it's only lit when it's possible to activate it or not....will have to try that out and see.

Yes, it's just gray during the times you can't use it. It turns green when you can and blinks when on, as noted.

Unlike KERS I find it almost useless during a race (have yet to get it to activate), although fun in practice and qual. Remember kids, don't use DRS in a turn!



The Jedi Master

Yup, I learned that lesson the hard way!

First time I used it, I was wise enough to do it on a straight. However I developed tunnel vision staring happily at my speedometer. I hit the next wall. With around 330 kph. Still smiling.

If you're running a Career in one of the minnow teams.....Virgin, HRT, Lotus....it can be useless unless you're in the perfect position for it, namely passing another minnow or at a place like Hungary where T1 is a great out-braking place and the added speed can keep you within a workable distance of making a move.

It's biggest advantage is when it's used in conjunction with KERS, unfotunately the minnows don't have KERS.