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Nick Heidfeld to Drive KERS-Powered F1.09, Not Kubica

BMW Sauber are the 4th and last team to announce the use of their Kinetic Energy Recovery System in the 2009 Australian Grand Prix. The German outfit, however, will only equip one car with the new technology, namely the one of Nick Heidfeld. Poland's Robert Kubica will not drive a KERS-powered BMW Sauber F1.09 at Albert Park, as confirmed by team boss Mario Theissen.

Apparently, the reason behind BMW's decision was the weight distribution. Heidfeld is known to be one of the lightest drivers in Formula One, while his teammate, regardless of his constant efforts to lose weight, is one of the tallest competitors in the series. As reported by GMM news agency, it seems equipping Kubica's car with the KERS unit would have added an extra 10 kilograms on the car's overall weight.

“The regulations mean that heavy drivers are disadvantaged,” confirmed Theissen on Thursday, as reported by GMM news agency. However, the German boss did not reveal when will a more appropriate version of KERS will be implemented in Kubica's car as well.

Talking about the potential advantage he might have over the Pole, Heidfeld pointed out to the disadvantages of driving a KERS-powered car at Albert Park. The most important of those is, as expected, the poorer weight distribution as compared to Kubica's F1.09.

“The centre or gravity is quite a bit higher and the weight distribution is worse and there is a higher chance of having technical problems - especially early in the season. It is a challenge to have it working perfectly under braking conditions, and set-up is pretty new and unknown,” said Heidfeld.

“So there are downsides to weigh up against the positives and that is also why Robert isn't using it and probably all the other teams that are not. It's not straightforward that if you use KERS you will be quicker,” added the German driver.
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