Formula One news

KERS sample for Kubica in practice

Robert Kubica will be running the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) on his BMW for the first time in China. The Pole, who has not used the device on a race weekend so far this year, has been running without it due to the extra weight added.

Kubica sucessfully lost weight before last season

Giving boosts of 80 horsepower for 6.6 seconds per lap, KERS can be an advantage on selected circuits for overtaking and defending, as well as aiding drivers' starts. However, the system's down faults are its cost and weight, as the device is expected to carry a mass of anything between 30 and 40 kilogrammes (in perspective, the same number of bags of sugar - approximately 4.5-6 stone). With Kubica being heavier than his team-mate, the weight allowance of car number 6 would be exceeded and therefore not complying with technical regulations; this has already led to team principal Mario Theissen calling for an increase in minimum car weights, to avoid drivers having to lose weight in a jockey-like fashion.

The team, one of four to have already used KERS - along with Ferrari, McLaren and Renault - will give their driver a demonstration run with the component installed on the F1.09 in Friday practice. "We will have to test and see," Kubica said. "For sure we have seen that, especially in Malaysia but also in Australia, that it was an advantage; of course, by running it on my car there are still some disadvantages that are bigger than those for the other drivers, and I hope the advantage will outweigh the disadvantage, but we will see."

more news

• 28 Nov.
  • Lola ready to enter Formula 1
  • Raikkonen close to Citroen WRC deal
  • Tung looking for 'useful' test
• 27 Nov.
  • Montreal seals Formula One contract
  • GPUpdate TV: Domenicali - high hopes for 2010
  • Jerez test: The cast
  • Wurz plays down USF1 link
  • Renault to test Baguette, Tung and Di Grassi
  • Alonso makes second visit to Ferrari
  • Force India confirms Sutil and Liuzzi
  • All new teams now FOTA members
  • Sauber buys team back from BMW
  • De la Rosa pushing for race drive
  • Ecclestone: I won't buy Donington
  • Haug becomes part of F1 in Schools
  • Volkswagen to provide F1 engines?
• 26 Nov.
  • Alguersuari: 2010 contract is signed
  • Conway and Ericsson to test for Mercedes
  • 4 driver options left for Lotus
  • 'F1 in need of Schumacher return' - Verstappen
• 25 Nov.
  • 'Fantastic opportunity' - Di Resta on Force India test
  • Recap: N.Technology court bid fails
  • BMW testers excited about Jerez
  • Brawn disappointed with Button drives, ponders Lauda
  • Piquet to drive in Massa kart race
  • Brawn aero chief wins award
  • Gillett disappointed with government position
  • Mercedes hopes to confirm line-up by Christmas
• 24 Nov.
  • Briatore verdict expected in January
  • Donington still hopeful over F1 race
  • Montreal race confirmation imminent
  • Massa names drivers for karting event
  • Campos car passes FIA safety tests
  • Strong test could seal drive, says Mallya
  • Force India to test di Resta and Hildebrand
  • Courts to hear Briatore case
  • Silverstone GP deal forthcoming
• 23 Nov.
  • GPUpdate TV: Sam Michael - building on 2009
  • Theissen waiting on entry decision
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation

Homepage