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F1 News & Discussions => Pit Pass => Topic started by: John S on March 21, 2009, 10:17:31 AM

Title: BMW giving little away on KERS usage for OZ
Post by: John S on March 21, 2009, 10:17:31 AM

These are comments from the BMW team who admit that their KERS is ready, but in view of their comments on extra tyre issues with KERS and Melbourne being low grip will they use it at the season opener?  

Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport Director
"The start of a Formula One season with perhaps the most sweeping rule changes we’ve ever seen is now in sight. We are pleased that Australia is again the first GP of the year in 2009. There is always a very special atmosphere in Melbourne. The Australians certainly love their sport and they’ve been well and truly bitten by the Formula One bug."

"Last year Nick took second for us in the first race of the season, and we’re hoping that we get off to a good start in Albert Park once again this year. We are heading in the right direction with the BMW Sauber F1.09; both the drivers and the engineers came back with positive feedback during testing. Plus, Nick and Robert carried out full race simulations without suffering any technical problems."

"As far as KERS is concerned, our system will be race-ready in Melbourne. We sent the cars out regularly with KERS during testing and the results were very good. Now it’s just a matter of weighing up the pros and cons. On the positive side, the drivers would have an extra 82 hp at their disposal for 6.6 seconds per lap. However, the system adds weight to the car and this has an impact on the car’s weight distribution and tyre wear. We will make a decision on a driver-by-driver, circuit-by-circuit basis."

Willy Rampf, Head of Engineering
"There’s always a lot of anticipation ahead of the first race of the season, but this time it’s even more exciting than usual. Winter testing gave us some initial indications of where we stand in relation to our rivals, but there are still a lot of question marks. The reason for the uncertainty is the radical changes made to the technical regulations. Totally new aerodynamics with significantly lower downforce compared to last year, the introduction of KERS, the return of slicks and the double mileage requirement for the engines mean we’re starting from a totally different basis. Using the potential of the tyres to optimum effect will be particularly important."

"Melbourne is a stop-start kind of circuit, which places heavy loads on the brakes and, at the same time, demands good traction. Grip levels are very low, especially at the start of the weekend, but you cannot let that deflect you from getting the car set-up right."

E.A. © CAPSIS International  20/03/09

Title: Re: BMW giving little away on KERS usage for OZ
Post by: Scott on March 21, 2009, 11:21:04 AM
82hp.  I thought it would be around 50-60hp.  82 is pretty decent for a long straight.  Could be quite interesting.
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