Formula One news

BMW to run KERS with Heidfeld

Nick Heidfeld will be racing with the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) at this weekend's Australian Grand Prix, although BMW team-mate Robert Kubica will not be using the brand-new system, according to Mario Theissen. 

The Team Principal elected to let Heidfeld use the device due to his recent loss of weight: "Due to the new rules, the heavier drivers have a disadvantage," Dr. Theissen explained. "Even though we managed to build a reasonably light KERS device we are still not able to get the perfect balance in Robert's car; he won't use it Melbourne although we hope we are able to fit it to his car later this season."

KERS, new for 2009, is likely to be a necessity in order for a car to stay on the pace in coming years and should also assist the FIA's development of road car technology. It has, however, been the subject of a large amount of criticism so far due to its high running costs in a year when the sport is aiming to cut down on spending.

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