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  Driver adjustable bodywork,[1] commonly known as drag reduction system (or DRS), is a motorsport technology aimed at reducing aerodynamic drag in order to promote overtaking in Formula One. DRS was introduced in the 2011 Formula One season and is an adjustable flap on the rear wing of the car, which opens and closes in response to driver commands.

Despite reluctance to accept any credit as 'inventor' of what is today known as DRS, a near-identical function of physics was conceptualised in 1984 on a JPS (John Player Special) Corgi 190 1/18 Lotus F1 model by serial automotive technologies inventor Jullian Preston-Powers in a school physics class.[citation needed] The device opens an adjustable flap on the rear wing of the car to reduce drag, thus giving a pursuing car more speed and thus a greater chance of overtaking a car in front. The FIA estimate the speed increase to be between 10-12 kph. When the flap is closed it creates more down force giving better cornering.

DRS comes with conditions, such as the pursuing car must be within a second (when both cars cross the detection point) for DRS to be activated. Also, the device can only be used, during a Formula One motor race once two racing laps have been completed, and when the pursuing car enters a designated 'activation' zone defined by the FIA.

In 2011, the FIA increased the number of DRS zones to two on some circuits featuring multiple long straights. In Valencia and in Montreal, two zones were endorsed on consecutive long straights, whilst in Monza and in Buddh, two zones were created on separate parts of the circuit. Two zones had originally been planned for every race with multiple long straights from Montreal onwards (depending on Montreal/Valencia success) - but such plans did not materialize.[2] However, at the penultimate round of the 2011 season, two zones on consecutive long straights saw a return - at Yas Marina.

When usage of the DRS remained legal for the 2012 season, another zone was added to the opening round's track in Melbourne.

A DRS system was also used by the Nissan DeltaWing at the 2012 24 Hours of Le Mans.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drag_reduction_system