Rumors: Ferrari to Test KERS in Peugeot 908 Prototype

07 January, 2009 06:32:00

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According F1 sources, Ferrari is linking with Peugeot to accelerate the development of its KERS system for the 2009 season.

Motor Authority reported that the new relationship will involve Peugeot running Ferrari's F1 KERS system on a test version of its diesel-engined 908 HDi FAP prototype.

Ferrari is currently developing its KERS system in conjunction with Magneti-Marelli, but the Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo has admitted its team is struggling with development of the technology and is yet to actually track-test a functioning unit.

Peugeot unveiled its 908 HY car in 2008 and said that the 908 HDi sports car was going to have a KERS system to deliver extra horsepower or better fuel consumption (depending on what was needed at any specific moment) at Le Mans in particular.

There are lots of links between the engine men in Maranello and Peugeot, given that a number of key players followed Jean Todt to Italy back in the 1990s.

Peugeot Sport used the last race of the 2008 Le Mans Series at Silverstone
to reveal a 908 HDi FAP demonstration car equipped with hybrid power
featuring a kinetic energy recovery system.

Other big F1 players are also working on KERS technology.

McLaren has team up with the U.S. Freescale Semiconductor to develop the next-generation KERS technology.

In an effort to develop a KERS system quickly and cheaply, Williams has bought a stake in Automotive Hybrid Power Ltd .

UK-based Torotrak has deals with two unnamed F1 teams while former F1 racer Heinz-Harald Frentzen is also pushing for deals for his Lithium Technology Corporation, which provided a KERS system for the Gumpert Apollo sportscar last season.

[source: Motor Authority]