Few Formula One seasons have been quite so keenly anticipated as this one. Major changes to the regulations, aimed at enhancing the show by promoting more overtaking opportunities while at the same time reducing costs, have given everyone a dramatic new set of challenges.
KERS represents largely uncharted territory, while giving F1 a crucial green edge to its activities. The sport will once again become the invaluable crucible in which such technology is developed at a far faster and more innovative rate than could ever be the case in the road car world, and will thus be hugely beneficial in shaping the next generation of economical passenger cars.
It is far from a clear-cut issue whether KERS will be advantageous everywhere, and several teams are deferring the introduction of their systems until they feel they have their basic 2009 packages sufficiently sorted. The most aggressive, however, such as BMW Sauber, may well use it from the outset.
“This has been a huge challenge, one which we have taken on with great drive and determination,” admits their team principal Dr Mario Theissen, arguably KERS’ greatest proponent after FIA president Max Mosley who introduced the idea. “When I look back at how far we have come in such a short space of time, it really is very impressive. Here, Formula One has taken on the role of technology accelerator for series production cars of the future.”
Thus the scene is set for another gripping season in which so much will remain unpredictable until the first few races have been run. And which will welcome yet another exciting new venue when the finale is held at the bespoke Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates.
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