From GMM
Red Bull is using an innovative super-compact KERS system this year, according to the latest paddock rumour.
It is believed the dominant reigning champions may be using an innovative super-compact energy-recovery system that is charged in the pits only for the run to the first corner in grands prix.
The RB7 would theoretically not then benefit from the horse power boost during qualifying and the races, but be able to run lighter and with a better brake-balance than those teams utilising full race-spec KERS systems because the battery is not charged while the car is braking.
After Sebastian Vettel powered to a dominant pole in Melbourne late on Saturday, FIA press conference moderator James Allen told the reigning world champion he had not noticed him pressing a KERS button during qualifing.
"We didn't use it in qualifying, that's correct," answered the German. Asked why, Vettel said bluntly: "Not fully charged."
But while Lewis Hamilton not using KERS during Q3 at Albert Park was due to a failure in his Mercedes unit, it emerged that Vettel's teammate Mark Webber also not using KERS may have been for tactical reasons.
"We didn't run it today for reasons we will keep in the team," said the Australian.
Martin Whitmarsh on Saturday admitted he was baffled after it emerged Red Bull had not used KERS in qualifying: "I see no logical reason why. It makes no sense, but, actually, we don't really know what's going on in the garage next to ours."
Red Bull is using an innovative super-compact KERS system this year, according to the latest paddock rumour.
It is believed the dominant reigning champions may be using an innovative super-compact energy-recovery system that is charged in the pits only for the run to the first corner in grands prix.
The RB7 would theoretically not then benefit from the horse power boost during qualifying and the races, but be able to run lighter and with a better brake-balance than those teams utilising full race-spec KERS systems because the battery is not charged while the car is braking.
After Sebastian Vettel powered to a dominant pole in Melbourne late on Saturday, FIA press conference moderator James Allen told the reigning world champion he had not noticed him pressing a KERS button during qualifing.
"We didn't use it in qualifying, that's correct," answered the German. Asked why, Vettel said bluntly: "Not fully charged."
But while Lewis Hamilton not using KERS during Q3 at Albert Park was due to a failure in his Mercedes unit, it emerged that Vettel's teammate Mark Webber also not using KERS may have been for tactical reasons.
"We didn't run it today for reasons we will keep in the team," said the Australian.
Martin Whitmarsh on Saturday admitted he was baffled after it emerged Red Bull had not used KERS in qualifying: "I see no logical reason why. It makes no sense, but, actually, we don't really know what's going on in the garage next to ours."