26/03/2009
NEWS STORY
Robert Kubica has confirmed that BMW will adopt a unique KERS strategy in Melbourne this weekend.
With only McLaren, Renault and Force India admitting that they will definitely use KERS this weekend, Ferrari and BMW remained the only two other teams likely to use the controversial new system.
However, speaking this morning, Kubica revealed that while he will not be running with KERS his teammate, Nick Heidfeld, will.
Earlier, speaking to the official F1 website Formula1.com, BMW team boss Mario Theissen explained: "Our KERS is ready to race but we have to look at the performance of the entire package. Due to the regulations, which require a minimum weight, a big driver is penalized, which is not a KERS issue. We have seen many drivers trying to lose weight over the winter, which is something that we don't really like.
"We'd rather support the increase of the minimum car weight," he admitted. "In our team it has led to the situation that here in Melbourne Nick will drive with KERS and Robert will not. In the future we will decide on a race-by-race basis based on the track characteristics."
Kubica has previously admitted that he is not a big fan of KERS, feeling that his height and weight is a handicap. Similar comments from other drivers have led to suggestions that some drivers will need to lose weight, not easy when most are already trimmed down to their ideal 'fighting weight'.
"This is something that would not cure the problem of taller and heavier drivers," said Theissen, "because the problem was not caused by KERS, but it's got worse due to KERS.
"If you have 50 kilos of ballast with a light driver and 40 with a heavy driver you can live with that situation. But if you have 10 kilos with a light driver and zero with a heavier one then he has no chance to balance the car."