Even McLaren not committed to KERS

Apr.21 (GMM) Even McLaren is not staunchly committed to using its KERS system throughout the entire 2009 formula one calendar.

Amid reliability and safety concerns for its system, Ferrari took the controversial energy re-use technology off its cars in Shanghai.

Renault's two cars also did not feature KERS in the Chinese grand prix, despite using it in Australia and Malaysia. Robert Kubica tested the system aboard his BMW last Friday but it was withdrawn for qualifying and the race.

As well as Nick Heidfeld, then, the two McLarens were the only cars using KERS in China, even though the huge front straight was theoretically ideal for the 82 hp bursts.

Ferrari will attempt to fit KERS to its F60 cars again this weekend in Bahrain, but McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh makes clear that his team is not staunchly committed to using the technology all season.

"Nothing is set in stone," the Briton is quoted as saying by motorsport-magazin.com. "We will not have it in the car if we do not get an advantage from it," Whitmarsh added.