While the action was taking place on the Hungaroring, the political side of Formula One was going its own way behind the scenes with team bosses meeting once again to discuss the KERS situation. After the accident with the BMW mechanic in testing, most of the teams are pushing to postpone the technology for one year mainly due to the subsequent safety concerns.
According to various reports in Hungary, six teams are in favor of holding it back, two are against it, BMW and Williams, while Mercedes and Honda would be happy either way, but to have a clear vote the newly founded association FOTA needs 7 out of the 10 possible votes.
If the teams decide that they will not run KERS next year, it will not have any influence on the rules as they state that the teams can race with or without in 2009, therefore a gentlemen’s agreement would be enough to postpone its introduction.
Renault team boss Flavio Briatore is furious about BMW and Williams, who insist on having it in 2009.
“BMW should be warned after having that accident, and Frank I do not understand. We have calculated that developing and running the system will cost 700,000 euros per race. If Frank tells me that his development costs only 2 million, than I can only laugh. Does he really think he can do the job with two million against manufacturers, who spend ten times as much?”
BMWF1guy wrote,
I think KERS is being rushed a bit and should be put off for another year. 2 incidents although sort of expected with new tech., but with 2009 almost here, let them have another year to do it and do it right.
Link | August 8th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
peterg wrote,
Sorry, I completely disagree, the teams were given ample lead time to implement the system. If some have fallen behind it is their own fault & should not be used as a reason to punish the teams that have risen to the technical challenge.
Further, it is NOT compulsory to run KERS next year, the teams that chose not to get a minimum weight adjustment.
BMW & Williams should not be penalised for the failure of others.Unless somebody can say that there is a definate saftey problem they should be allowed to use the system to their advantage.
Link | August 9th, 2008 at 4:33 am
peterg wrote,
Oops! definite, not definate
Link | August 9th, 2008 at 4:35 am
cd wrote,
Interesting. I’d say Sir Frank can get away with that meager amount because someone else is picking up the tab. I wonder who?I would have thought Toyota, but not if they are in favor of delaying for a year…
Link | August 9th, 2008 at 5:50 pm