The FIA hurrying the technology into Formula 1 in a moment when most teams were trying to reduce costs for their F1 operations proved a total failure, and the latest results in Australia and Malaysia are living proof. Apart from Alonso's phenomenal start in Malaysia, the KERS unit did nothing to boost performance for the cars on which it was fitted.
In addition, a KERS-powered car also suffered from poor balance and a lower level of downforce, because the mechanics have little ballast to work around the car. Non-KERS cars have easily dominated the competition in the last 2 races and most teams are already starting to give up their unit ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix.
“It's turned into a bit of a mess hasn't it, the whole KERS thing,” said the Australian driver, whose team is yet to implement the KERS unit in the RB5. Without KERS and with a legitimate car – under the latest controversy over the rear diffuser – RBR have been the only team able to keep the pace with the “diffuser three” in both qualifying and race.
Talking about a potential use of KERS in the upcoming races, Webber argued that nobody would mind if the system will be scrapped off completely from the teams' 2009 operations. It would simply create more chaos and, considering the FIA is to implement a standard KERS in 2010 anyway, developing it through the course of this year would prove costly and inefficient.
“No one would kick up a stink, I don't think. Some of the teams might, but you've got a common unit next year anyway, so it's not like anyone's developing it for next year,” added Webber.
Ferrari have already decided to renounce the KERS unit for the Chinese Grand Prix (although later regretting the move), while BMW are yet to decide whether to fit Kubica's car with the unit during Sunday's race or not. Renault's Fernando Alonso also ran without KERS during Friday's practice sessions.
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