Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Ferrari will revive KERS in Bahrain

Ferrari will try to reinstate a Kinetic Energy Recovery System into its package for this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix.

Due to reliability and safety concerns, the Italian team pulled the technology from its F60 in China.

The heavier Kimi Raikkonen didn't seem to mind not having the power boost, but diminutive Felipe Massa admitted in Shanghai that it is "definitely a handicap in my case."

"This is another area where we must work, to go back to using it as soon as possible," said the Brazilian.

Substantial improvements for the car will have to wait until Barcelona next month, but team boss Stefano Domenicali said Ferrari will attempt to bring back KERS immediately.

"The car will be the same as here," he said before leaving China, "even though we will look at running the KERS again."

Down from seven in Australia and Malaysia, only three cars were using KERS in the Chinese Grand Prix.

Renault has for now withdrawn the technology, with staunch opponent Flavio Briatore quoted in the Spanish media as saying the energy re-use systems would best be used as "anchors in the sea."

"We are going to analyse the data, the numbers. BMW were most in favour of them and it seems they have discarded it now," the Italian said. "I believe it has been a dramatic exercise in throwing away money."

Brawn GP is not yet using McLaren Mercedes' customer unit, but boss Ross Brawn believes KERS will be "a crucial aspect in the second half of the season."

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