Ferrari president hits out at new technology in Formula One

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has criticised the introduction of Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS) in Formula One next year
Di Montezemolo said the costs were "prohibitive" and questioned whether the system, which will be allowed to run from the start of next season, would actually help to develop road car technology.

"The future looks very complicated with these new regulations," the Italian said. "We feel introducing KERS already this year was a mistake, even though we're in favour of F1 being a technological springboard. But the energy recovery system in the races will in any case be very different from the road system.

"It's true, however, that the costs are prohibitive, and with FOTA we've studied important proposals in order to meet Max Mosley's fair requests regarding spending cuts.

"The engine for three GPs for ten million euros means the cost is halved compared to 2008. In 2011 we'll get to five millions, compared to 20 millions from four years before then. On top of that, there is the reduction of testing to 15,000 kms.

"I think we need to rely on good sense: the general one, and the FIA world council's one. Our proposals approved for 2009 set an example. We have two objectives: to help the smaller teams, and to allow F1 to still do research and innovation, also for fuel suppliers.

"It's unthinkable that the big car manufacturers can accept to re-badge the engines built by someone else."

Meanwhile, McLaren have announced that it will work with Freescale Semiconductor to develop its Kinetic Energy Recovery System from 2010.

"This joint KERS development project with McLaren Electronic Systems is on the cutting edge of automotive technology," said Freescale spokesman Steve Wainwright.

"As the leading supplier of automotive semiconductors, Freescale can help MES make a difference in their quest for advanced powertrain control technology and energy-efficient systems.

"Formula One is one of the most exciting and fastest moving laboratories for automotive technology. We will work hard to help ensure that the technologies developed in concert with MES will rapidly find their way into mainstream cars to the benefit of consumers and our automotive customers eager to receive energy-efficient solutions."
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