BMW Sauber has become the first team to declare that its kinetic energy recovery system is ready to use in Melbourne, but boss Mario Theissen has not committed to running the device in the season-opener yet.
KERS has been a hot topic all winter, with many teams struggling to prepare their systems in time.
But Theissen says he has no concerns about BMW’s KERS and that the team’s only consideration will be how it affects set-up and lap time, rather than its reliability.
“We’ve got our KERS to the stage where it is race-ready, which means we can use it in Melbourne,” he said.
“Now it’s just a matter of weighing up the pros and cons.


“On the positive side, the drivers would have an extra 82 bhp at their disposal for 6.6s per lap.
“However, the system adds weight to the car and this has an impact on the car’s weight distribution and tyre wear.
“We will make a decision on a driver-by-driver, circuit-by-circuit basis.”
BMW racer Robert Kubica is concerned that as one of the taller drivers on the grid, his extra body weight will put him at a disadvantage in the KERS era – a fear that Theissen shares.
“The difference between the actual weight and minimum weight is levelled out by positioning ballast around the car to optimum effect,” the BMW team boss explained.
“Traditionally, this means that a heavier driver has been at a disadvantage, as he has had less ballast to balance out the car.
“Using the KERS will further reduce – by the weight of the system – the amount of ballast available.
“In order to prevent Formula 1 from becoming a jockeys’ competition, we are pushing for an increase of the minimum weight in the future.”
Theissen has always been one of the staunchest advocates of KERS, and he remains convinced that the controversial and expensive technology is worthwhile.
“This has been a huge challenge, one which we have taken on with great drive and determination,” he said.
“When I look back at how far we have come in such a short space of time, it really is very impressive.
“Here, Formula 1 has taken on the role of technology accelerator for series production cars of the future.”

 

This could give BMW quite the edge if they decide to run it and no other teams do. I really hope they run it just to spice things up a bit!