The Red Bull Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) is reportedly a third down on power compared to that of the Mercedes and Ferrari systems.
The BBC’s Ted Kravitz reports that the system, designed by Renault and Magneti Marelli, but customised to fit the tight packing of the RB7, produces just 40kw of power, rather than the maximum allowed output of 60kw (approx. 80bhp).
Rumours at the start of the year that the Milton Keynes based outfit were running a ‘mini-KERS’ were bandied about the paddock, but denied by the team.
It would seem that speculation was partially correct, given that the smaller system produces less power, but can be used every lap of the race, as long as it’s functional – which has become an increasing problem for Red Bull as the reliability of the unit has been called into question at almost every race this season.
The downside of using a less powerful KERS is, according to Kravitz, balanced out by the decreased weight of the system which gives the team more ballast options, provider greater balance and fine tuning.
Discussion about this post