KERS-snub by some F1 teams possible – report
The German magazine Auto Motor und Sport reports that only BMW-Sauber and McLaren are on schedule with development of the complex energy-recovery technology for the forthcoming season.
Reigning constructors' champions Ferrari are grappling with serious problems in the joint project with electronics partner Magneti-Marelli, and may have commenced an alternate parallel project for the development of a KERS unit.
Engine and electronics director Gilles Simon said: "At the end of February, we must determine whether to proceed with or without KERS."
Renault and Toyota, also believed to be working with Magneti-Marelli, are also yet to test KERS, with Toyota admitting late last season that they are unlikely to begin 2009 with the voluntary technology.
Introducing a KERS system after the Australian grand prix will be difficult, given the new total ban on in-season testing.
The respectively Ferrari and Renault customer teams, Toro Rosso and Red Bull, meanwhile, are reliant upon the progress of their partners.
Williams is the only independent team developing its own KERS system, uniquely utilizing a flywheel for the storage of energy, but even the British outfit is said to have struck some unforeseen problems.
The teams' FOTA alliance tried but failed on numerous occasions to agree to delay KERS for a season, but it is possible that a uniform solution for 2010 and beyond – perhaps a standard system – will be found.
In his letter to FOTA chairman Luca di Montezemolo this week, FIA president Max Mosley admitted his concern with the trend for development of battery-based KERS systems.
"We are increasingly of the view that the use of chemical storage should be prohibited in formula one owing to the unsuitability of the batteries currently available," he said.