Ferrari has revealed it is behind schedule with its Kinetic Energy Recovery system, which is due to be brought into
Formula One for the 2009 season.
While some teams, including
BMW Sauber and McLaren, have used recent test sessions to work on development of their KERS systems,
Ferrari has found itself behind its rivals when it comes to getting the system up and running.
However, while work continues, the team revealed that it is appraising its 2009 machine without KERS in case the system isn't ready in time for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
Speaking in a pre-festive meeting at Maranello, technical director Aldo Cost and his team also admitted that the costs of KERS had been higher than expected, with more being spent that had been planned on the energy recovery system.
"We're working a lot on the energy recovery system," the technicians said. "We're a bit behind on our schedule, but our goal is to be ready with a working KERS for the first race, which will be held in Australia. Meanwhile we're also appraising the car without KERS.
"[KERS] is a great challenge. As far as the engine and the electronics are concerned, costs went down, but with the KERS we spent much more than we had planned."
