Saturday, December 6, 2008

Ferrari and Renault yet to test KERS

Major formula one teams Ferrari and Renault are yet to track test KERS systems, ahead of the energy-recovery technology's introduction next year. It was believed that 2008 constructors' champions Ferrari had now begun circuit trials of its system, when the F2008K development car featured a conspicuous addition to the top of its right sidepod at last week's Barcelona test. But the German magazine Auto Motor und Sport reveals that the sidepod bump concealed only ballast and a cooling mechanism for a so far absent KERS system. It is suggested that Ferrari may finally get a KERS system, developed in conjunction with Magneti Marelli, up and running at the forthcoming Jerez test.

Renault is also benefitting from the input of Magneti Marelli, a Fiat subsidiary, and will begin KERS testing in January, with the introduction of the 2009 car. The French team's engineering boss Pat Symonds said Renault never intended to build an interim car to accommodate a KERS system.

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