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F2 drivers praise innovative new overboost feature

'F1-style' system helps produce thrilling season opener at Silverstone

Today's opening round of the 2012 FIA Formula Two Championship at Silverstone saw an innovative new overboost system introduced which has been highly praised by the F2 drivers.

The new 'F1-style' system shares similarities with the DRS system used in Formula One with each driver having eight 'shots' of overboost available to them providing they're within one second of the car ahead.

Two activation zones, named Boost Zones (BZ), were introduced around the 5.901km track with the first being the run into Stowe corner and the second through the Wellington Straight into Brooklands.

Chasing drivers who are within the one second margin were then be able to apply their overboost - increasing power output from 425bhp to 500bhp for a period of six seconds. The system becomes active after the first lap and lasts until the final lap of the race.

F2 newcomer Daniel McKenzie, who finished fifth during today's race, said: "It's a cracking system and possibly the best feature I've experienced in all previous single seaters. It doesn't make overtaking easier as you still need to get close to the guy in front and also still time your move. It also makes overtaking safer as it stops drivers making lunges."

Alex Fontana, who secured his maiden podium today, added: "I like it and how it makes the series closer to F1. Before you could defend by also boosting when someone tried to boost passed you which you can't do now. I also like how it's limited to eight shots so you have to think carefully about when to use them and to work it with the state of your tyres."

Round one race winner Luciano Bacheta said: "Overall I liked it, and drivers can no longer cover up mistakes like they could with the previous system. During today's race I knew whenever I used it to get past someone I immediately had to prepare to defend and make sure they couldn't re-pass! You are a little vulnerable if you're leading though like I was!"

Along with the upgraded F2 car, the change is part of a number of new features introduced for the 2012 season including an increase of overboost (now five shots) during qualifying two which takes place tomorrow (Sunday) at 09:30am.