Renault to Use KERS Depending on Track

Renault have decided to use their Kinetic Energy Recovery System on a race-to-race basis. The Enstone-based team revealed they will power their R29s with the aforementioned unit only when the track will require them to. Renault are therefore the second F1 constructor to take that decision, following a similar policy adopted by BMW Sauber earlier this season.

As shown by Fernando Alonso shortly after the Australian Grand Prix, the use of KERS is not always translated into a potential advantage on track. Whilst the unit proved very effective at Sepang – twisty circuit with also two long straights, perfect for KERS deployment – Renault did not benefit much from the technology in Australia.

Alonso powered from 9th on the grid to 3rd overall after only the first hundred meters, thanks to a great start at Sepang (KERS related). In Australia, on the other hand, the team suffered much in terms of on-track performance, while other non-KERS cars were clearly lapping better than the Renault drivers.

“As the year unfolds there will be circuits where it may be debatable whether running KERS is an advantage or not. So we need to evaluate its merits on a race-by-race basis, but China is definitely a track where we should see a benefit,” said Renault's technical director Bob Bell, according to GMM news agency.

The lack of KERS clearly translates into improved car's balance, as the mechanics can use the extra 30-to-40 kilograms (the approximate weight of the unit) to better distribute the ballast around the car. On circuits where KERS is not such a big advantage, not using it should lead to better cornering speed and improved handling.