BMW is ready to launch its KERS in racing

BMW Motorsport director, Mario Theissen, claims that his team is ready to use their KERS system in races but has not made any decision on the date of its introduction.

He explains that his team will have to examine the pros and cons of the system race by race since it will generate additional weight.

« We have a KERS ready for the race, which means we can use it in Melbourne. Now it’s just a matter of weighing the pros and cons, » said Theissen.

« The positive side is that the driver will have an additional 82 horsepower at their disposal for 6.6 seconds per lap.

« However, the system is an additional weight for the car and this impacts the weight distribution and therefore the tire wear. We will make a decision based on the race and depending on the driver. »

The two BMW drivers, Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica, have both lost weight, however, the German is much lighter than his teammate as he has dropped below the 60-kilogram mark.

The team based in Hinwil was one of the main supporters of the KERS last year. Even though, Thessen acknowledges, the development of the device has been a huge challenge, he is very happy with the progress made since its inception.

« The introduction of KERS in Formula 1 has opened the doors to a new territory in the sport. It was a tremendous challenge overcome with a lot of dynamism and determination, » continued the German.

« When I think back to the few months it took us to develop it, it’s truly very impressive. »