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Ferrari Confirm KERS for Spain GP

Ferrari will use the Kinetic Energy Recovery System at F60's European debut in Barcelona. As argued by F1 vice-champion Felipe Massa, the Ferrari challenger has so far proven more competitive when fitted with the controversial technology.

For us KERS is a clear advantage. We saw that with the comparison test in Friday practice in Bahrain,” said Massa ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix. Even at the pre-Spanish GP testing conducted by Ferrari's test driver Marc Gene at Vairano last week, the “B” package of the F60 also featured the aforementioned unit.

Under the circumstances, it seems Ferrari will be only the second team to use the technology in Catalonia. Even if not officially confirming it, McLaren Mercedes are likely to fit both their MP4-24s with the KERS unit. As argued by Mercedes motorsport director Norbert Haug earlier this week, the great performances of their energy-recovery system has already attracted several inquiries from other F1 teams.

In addition, Mercedes are not bringing major updates to the table in Barcelona, so the use of KERS will not affect the car's aerodynamics at the Spanish track.

Rivals BMW, however, have confirmed yesterday that they will not use the unit in either of the two upcoming races – Barcelona and Monaco – because it will interfere with team's heavily-revised aerodynamic package prepared for the F1.09. They will also not debut a double diffuser this weekend.

Such is also the case of Renault, who have announced they will not use KERS this weekend. The Enstone based team will debut several aero features of their own, including revised wheel fairings and updated rear wing, in addition to a new version of their double diffuser.
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