Red Bull have still not decided whether they will use KERS at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
Energy recovery system needs to "earn its place" on new car
Red Bull have still not decided whether they will use KERS at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
Although most teams have been testing their versions of the Kinetic Energy Recovery System during the winter, they do not necessarily have to use it this season.
Red Bull said last week that they will be using the system developed by engine provider Renault rather than their own device.
However, according to team boss Christian Horner, they are still undecided as to whether they'll actually use it in Melbourne.
"Nobody knows how many teams will come to the grid in Melbourne with KERS," Horner told
Motor Sport magazine.
"There will be a few, but the power advantage versus the weight penalty is certainly a closely matched thing.
"We will only run KERS on the race car when it earns its place there, just as we would with any other new development.
"We are working closely with Renault on a system that is primarily designed by Magneti-Marelli but it is, shall we say, a significant technical challenge.
"We have to wait and see if it proves its worth in testing and then decide whether or not we run it at the first race in Melbourne."
Concern
One of the main concerns with running KERS is the effect it might have on rear tyre wear.
"There are issues with weight and weight distribution, and that affects tyre wear," Horner added.
"Protection of the rear tyres will be very important this year, and will be a key element in the decision.
"I'm sure that all teams have designed cars with capacity for KERS but most will only activate the system when it's a clear advantage and it's reliable.
"KERS is not yet mandatory - we'll see what happens when we get to Australia."
KERS works by storing heat energy dissipated by a car's brakes - either in a battery or using a flywheel - to use as a power boost.
