Formula One news

Renault continues with KERS for China

The Renault team will continue to run the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) in this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix, having introduced the device before the first race. Although the revolutionary system gives drivers the option of a power boost, on selected circuits it could in fact hinder performance due to the sheer weight of the device.

"We haven't changed our fundamental view - that our default position should be to run with KERS as opposed to without it," explained technical director Bob Bell. "There are certainly circuits where running KERS is a distinct advantage, and Malaysia was probably the first of those although, as the year unfolds, there will be circuits where it may be debatable whether running KERS is an advantage or not."

With Shanghai's circuit containing the longest straight in Formula One, those using KERS (also Ferrari, McLaren and the BMW of Heidfeld) should be presented with a clear advantage when it comes to overtaking and defending. "We need to evaluate its merits on a race-by-race basis," Bell continued. "China is definitely a track where we should see a benefit. Overall, the system is working well and it gives us the advantages we hoped for, as well as clear benefits at the start of the race."

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