It is believed that some Formula 1 teams are considering delaying the introduction of Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS) – due to become a feature of the top flight next year – following persistent teething troubles with the new technology.

KERS are an important part of measures being brought into F1 in a bid to save energy and cut costs over the coming seasons – but BMW-Sauber and Red Bull Racing amongst others have notably struggled to get to grips with their development in recent weeks, with Toyota engine boss Luca Marmorini explaining that 'all teams are having problems' at present.

“You don't really need the 400 kJ (per lap output),” the Italian told Swiss publication Motorsport Aktuell. “You don't have to use KERS.

“The FIA has given us full freedom of choice. You always have to consider [that] the car has to be fast.”

There are concerns that KERS failures could lead to costly race retirements in the early development phase, and it is understood that Toyota is one of a number of teams keen to sign a gentleman's agreement to put off the introduction of KERS until 2010 on safety grounds.

“We are very cautious about such matters,” Marmorini added. “Toyota has a lot of experience with this type of technology for road cars, and so safety is our main consideration.”