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Standard KERS for 2011!

Although the Formula One teams have all decided to leave the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) out of the 2010 regulations, it seems the “green technology” could make its way back to the sport 2 years from now.

According to some recent reports from the German publication Auto Motor und Sport, it seems that two parts manufacturers have already lined up to supply a standard KERS unit for all teams in 2011. Ferrari's KERS component suppliers MTS and Saft would presumably be favored by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) for building a uniquely-developed unit for the price of 2 million euros per team, for an entire year.

However, as all members of the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) have decided to scrap the technology for 2010 – moving all their development efforts to other parts of the 2010 machineries – KERS will only have a chance of coming back a year after.

McLaren and Williams have been two of the most vocal contesters of the KERS ban next year, but for two different reasons. While McLaren actually won a race with a KERS-powered car this year – as well as Ferrari – Williams have invested a lot of money into it during the past year.

Being a low-financed team, not using their mechanical-based KERS after putting that many efforts into the technology would be money down the drain for the Grove based team, which is why they have been constantly pushing for a KERS use next year.

Initially, the KERS ban for 2010 was forwarded by Renault's former manager Flavio Briatore, whose team didn't quite get it right this year. Although no contract was signed by the teams on the matter, Williams confirmed earlier this year that they'll obey the gentleman's agreement to ignore the KERS-related sections of the technical regulations next year.

Technically, according to the current FIA regulations, KERS will still be allowed in 2010.
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