MAY 10, 2008

The future course of KERS

The FIA recently laid out its desires for the introduction of kinetic energy recovery systems (KERS) in the course of the next few years. The proposal was for a system in 2009, using just the rear wheels and a sliding scale of development between 2009 and 2013. There was the additional suggestion that extra energy could be recovered from the cooling system from 2011 onwards. There would also be exhaust energy recovery systems when new engines - probably small capacity turbos - are introduced in 2013.

The teams have responded by asking the FIA (unanimously) to maintain the level of energy recovery in 2009 and 2010 and not to introduce any new regulations in this area until the end of 2009. The thinking behind this is that the costs could get out of control if the development was not restricted in some way.

It is perhaps significant that this would also coincide with the end of Max Mosley's term of office at the FIA. It remains to be seen whether Molsey will maintain his role in the last year of his mandate, but in any case there will be new people in charge after the autumn of 2009.