FOTA Push for Standard KERS in 2010

The Kinetic Energy Recovery System might become subject to FIA's standardization process within Formula 1. As teams have pumped millions of euros into developing a functional unit by the 2009 Australian Grand Prix, it seems the teams have decided to go for a standard KERS in 2010, with BMW in pole position for becoming official supplier in the series.

Following the discussions held by the Formula One Teams Association representatives at Geneva on Wednesday, it was decided that the KERS unit should be available as a standard feature for all teams in the F1 paddock at the more-than-reasonable cost of 1-2 million euros.

That would provide equal chances for all teams using the technology in 2010. Currently, most independent teams – except for Williams F1 – have opted to benefit from KERS as part of their power train partnership with a car maker (as the F1 manufacturers have afforded the funding for the development of the system).

As revealed by FOTA's chairman Luca di Montezemolo, the unit cost several teams million of euros in the past season, especially since everyone wanted to have their system up and running by the season opener in Australia. BMW Sauber were the ones to blame for the early introduction of KERS, as they have used their veto right within FOTA to counteract a potential delay of the technology until 2010.

“It is not such an important element like the engine, like the gearbox, like aerodynamics. So we can have a standard KERS. It is like an electronic box, it is not a sexy box!” explained Di Montezemolo, following FOTA's meeting in Geneva.

BMW are allegedly in pole position for becoming the official supplier in 2010, as they are believed to have dedicated the most time & resources throughout 2008 to develop the technology.