Ferrari and Renault yet to test KERS
Major formula one teams Ferrari and Renault are yet to track test KERS systems, ahead of the energy-recovery technology’s introduction next year.
It was believed that 2008 constructors’ champions Ferrari had now begun circuit trials of its system, when the F2008K development car featured a conspicuous addition to the top of its right sidepod at last week’s Barcelona test.
But the German magazine Auto Motor und Sport reveals that the sidepod bump concealed only ballast and a cooling mechanism for a so far absent KERS system.
It is suggested that Ferrari may finally get a KERS system, developed in conjunction with Magneti Marelli, up and running at the forthcoming Jerez test.
Renault is also benefitting from the input of Magneti Marelli, a Fiat subsidiary, and will begin KERS testing in January, with the introduction of the 2009 car.
The French team’s engineering boss Pat Symonds said Renault never intended to build an interim car to accommodate a KERS system.
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More on KERS
I’m confused about KERS. On the one hand many of the teams have said that the performance benefit will be marginal in 2009 given the system’s weight, packaging problems and low power. We hear that some teams might not introduce it until later in the season. On the other hand the McLaren tech guy whose name I forget said that it would be worth several car lengths at the start (and then 0.3s/lap) which suggests it’s essential. But here we have two leading teams whose KERS development appears tardy to say the least. I guess we won’t know the truth until Melbourne in March.
And Toyota has admitted it won’t be using KERS at the first race.
I am honestly not really excited about the KERS. I see it working only at circuits which have a long braking zone followed by another long acceleration zone. (The last turn at Sepang or last-but-one turn at Shanghai, turn 1 at Monza could be the few places where it is used)
Storing energy through capacitor or flywheel won’t last that for long without the weight adding to the lap times.
Only BMW might be a full-time user of the KERS; other cars would be sparing in their use.
Well I am keen to see if KERS will last on the circuit.
They are “Mediterranean” teams… they don’t prepare things in advance (unlike German BMW). Just wait till the new season starts: they will be ready