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BMW Vote Against KERS Delay for 2010

The fact that BMW redirected their efforts to developing the 2009 car as early as mid-season should be proof enough that the German manufacturer means business next year. The team has begun testing their innovative Kinetic Energy Recovery System at Jerez last year and, despite having some early problems with its development – including when a team mechanic suffered an electric shock after a testing session – are expected to be in pole position to implementing early next season.

Christian Klien, currently testing for BMW Sauber in Formula 1, was one of the first drivers to try the new KERS unit and believes his team are very much ahead of their competition in terms of introducing the system as early as next season. FIA said that the KERS unit will be mandatory on all F1 cars starting 2010, while optional in 2009.

“It goes without saying that every team is trying to come to terms with all this as quickly as possible. I am certain that we at BMW are furthest on with our preparations. Not all teams will have KERS next year - it is optional. No team has been successful with it on the track so far. We will really start getting to grips with it during the winter tests after Brazil. Anyone starting the season with KERS will certainly have an advantage,” admitted the Austrian driver.

The German manufacturer is believed to be very close to developing their unit by the 2009 season opener in Australia and was the only team in the F1 paddock to disagree with delaying the introduction of KERS for 2008. Unless the teams reach an unanimous decision on the matter, FIA will allow the system as optional in 2009.

Ferrari have already admitted that they are pretty behind in developing their KERS unit for next season, which led to a further delay in setting up the 2009 car in time for the testing sessions this winter. Their slow development of next year's car has also led to ending the contract with Force India as an engine supplier for 2009.
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