Ferrari: No-KERS Move Didn't Work Out

Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali admitted that renouncing the Kinetic Energy Recovery System ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix did not bring the awaited results. Although it was aimed at creating a higher level of downforce through better ballast distribution, the measure seems to have actually taken the Scuderia a few steps back in terms of on-track performance, as the F60 behaved poorly during the first two practice sessions at Shanghai.

“Clearly, without KERS, we lose a bit of performance and initial indications are that we are not seeing any improvement in the balance of a car that, let's not forget, was designed to carry this system. We are in a difficult situation and we must try and stay calm and work hard on all fronts,” said Domenicali after the Friday action at Shanghai.

At the end of both P1 and P2 today, neither of the two Ferrari drivers – Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa – managed to get into the Top 10 on the timing sheet. And the latter echoes Domenicali's comments on the matter.

“Here we are also running without KERS and as a result, we are losing even more performance, in addition to not having as much aerodynamic downforce as the best cars. Our fight for the championship is ever more compromised. The only recipe for getting out of this difficulty is to work,” said the Brazilian driver.

Under the circumstances, Ferrari's hopes of finally getting some points up on the scoreboard seem slimmer by the hour. The Scuderia have come to Shanghai with a revised aerodynamic package – mostly focused on front side of the car (front wing & wheel flanges) – also aimed at improving the F60's downforce level and balance.