Lotus won’t be using KERS at the start of the 2011 season, according to their chief technical office Mike Gascoyne.
The Kinetic Energy Recovery System will return in 2011 despite is having never left the regulations, but an agreement between all the teams not to use the system has come to an end.
KERS isn’t the only extra for next season. An adjustable rear-wing has been included in the regulations which Lotus will be using.
“We will have the adjustable rear wing but not KERS for the start of the season – it’s in development – really because of engineering resource,” Gascoyne told the Norwich Evening News.
The 47-year-old believes the negative aspects of the technology don’t quite balance the positives yet, but hinted that they could use it later in the season after signing an engine deal with Renault.
“Over one lap, it’s still not a big plus for its effort, involvement and negatives. Strategically off the start and in races, then yes.
“But at the start of the year, KERS is not going to be the thing that gives us the step up. It’s all the other things, and we’ve taken the choice to concentrate on all those because if we don’t get them right, KERS isn’t going to make a difference.
“Renault are very keen on green technologies and KERS, so it’s something we will be pushing,” he added.
