No KERS on BMW cars for the Spanish GP

Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld, BMW-Sauber drivers, will not be using the KERS this weekend for the Spanish Grand Prix.

The team has decided not to implement the kinetic energy recovery system because a major aerodynamic upgrade will occur in Barcelona. The team wants to focus on this single point.

BMW is also considering not using the KERS for the Monaco Grand Prix. This decision would be somewhat more logical since Monaco is an urban track and the system would prove to be less advantageous due to the absence of long straights.

This will be the first time the team brings a new aerodynamic package to a circuit, even though some evaluation practices have already been conducted.

« We will not have KERS on our two cars in Barcelona because coupling aerodynamic updates with KERS would reduce our level of competitiveness. We will probably have KERS on our cars again in Turkey, » said BMW boss Mario Theissen.

He added that he was happy with his team’s progress regarding the KERS.

Nick Heidfeld used the device during the first four races of the season, finishing in second place at the Malaysian Grand Prix, but his teammate Robert Kubica used it only once in the race in Bahrain. The explanation is simple and comes from the disadvantages in weight distribution. The Polish driver is tall and therefore heavier, especially compared to his teammate Nick Heidfeld, who is one of the lightest drivers on the grid along with Massa.

« The initial assessment of this technology is very positive, » Theissen continued. « The result regarding the KERS is positive so far with no failures even under the tropical rains of Malaysia. »

« We did not use the system every time because it depends on the setup of our car. Given the slick tires and weight distribution, you need to be heavier on the front axle, while the KERS is placed between the middle and the rear of the car. So the weight is more significant at that level. »

The FIA has decided not to favor any driver in 2010 as the minimum weight of the cars will increase from 605 to 620 Kg, a rise of 15 Kg.