KERS looks set to make a comeback in 2011 after both Ferrari and Renault offered to supply the system for a much more reasonable price than developing a similar system.
In 2009, the regulations permitted the use of a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) to boost the cars horsepower for six seconds per lap – the system was adopted successfully by McLaren and Ferrari.
The system is allowed under 2010 regulations, however the teams agreed not to use the system because of the cost involved.
At a FOTA meeting, the Italian and French outfits proposed a standard unit which could be bought by the smaller teams.
“Basically Ferrari and Renault put forward proposals that they could do KERS for less than a million euros (£875,000, $1.33m),” Williams technical director Sam Michael told Reuters.
“Those have been accepted but what Ferrari and Renault are both saying is that unless we increase the energy level from the current 400 kilojoules up to 600 or 800, to make KERS more beneficial, they are not prepared at this stage to commit that they will actually do KERS.”
It’s thought Renault would supply the entire grid, whilst Ferrari would only supply its customers – teams using its engine.
Williams also have their own system after increasing their stake in Williams Hybrid Power this week, as do Mercedes who supplied McLaren in 2009.
