Formula One news
Renault to use KERS in Australia
19 March 2009The Renault team has confirmed that it will be using the new Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) at the opening round in Australia. The device, new for this year, will allow the drivers to apply a boost in engine power to enable easier passing during the race.
|
|
 |
| Pat Symonds, Renault Executive Director of Engineering |
Although the system could add anything between an extra 25 and 40 kilograms in weight, Alonso and Piquet will also be able to enjoy the new boost button for a maximum extra 80 horsepower lasting for 6.6 seconds every lap, which can be used either all at once or in short bursts.
"Prior to Christmas I would have said there was little chance in us running it in Australia," team Executive Director of Engineering, Pat Symonds, told GP Week. "I really couldn't have put a date on when we were going to run it, but over Christmas the major problems were solved very quickly, one after the other in succession. Since we've had KERS on the car we've really had very little trouble with it."
Symonds' comments follow those of Toyota's Jarno Trulli who yesterday confirmed, as have Williams, Toro Rosso, Red Bull, Force India and Brawn that they will not be running the system in Australia; this should result in an exciting mix of balance between those with extra weight and others with the power advantage. As for Ferrari, McLaren and BMW, no announcements have yet been made over whether KERS will be in place in Australia or not.
 |
| Bob Bell, Renault Technical Director |
"The biggest surprise with the KERS system perhaps, was that we initially felt that we would have a lot of problems with it and getting the drivers to use it," Technical Director Bob Bell commented. "In reality it has been quite a straightforward transition."
"We obviously believe that it's a positive performance advantage otherwise we wouldn't be running it," Symonds added. "I think it echoes the strength of some of the guys we've got here at Renault; they took a brand-new project, had to learn a lot of new technologies - because there was no-one here who knew anything about high-powered electronics - and they've learned, and excelled with it I think."
more news
- 07 Nov.
- 06 Nov.
- 05 Nov.
- 04 Nov.
- FIA warns again: Credit crunch will win
- Renault holds emergency meeting about F1 future
- FOTA thanks Toyota's Howett
- Ekström beats Schumacher for Race of Champions
- Hülkenberg targeting Barrichello pace
- Photos: Race of Champions 2009
- Pirelli not interested in F1
- Vettel and Schumacher win ROC Nations Cup
- Toyota highlights reasons for F1 exit
- Official: Toyota leaves Formula One
- An interview with Kamui Koabayshi
- 03 Nov.
- 02 Nov.