The BMW Sauber team has decided to scrap their KERS system this season in favour of aero development. Speaking at the recent British Grand Prix, Mario Theissen revealed that some of their more recent aero developments are not compatible with KERS and if they want to improve their current situation they must go with the aero side of things.

"We evaluated different alleys, proceeding with KERS or proceeding on the aero side and what could we do with no KERS on board. We had made some significant progress on the aero side which does not allow to fit KERS, and we have taken a decision just a few days ago to no more run KERS this year because we see a more promising alley in developing the aero,” he explained.

The Hinwil based squad hasn’t used the controversial system in the last four events but it’s not because the system doesn’t work, in fact just the opposite with their unit being hailed as a huge success in terms of getting it up and running reliably, but....

“...if you want to push an innovation then you have to fully focus on it. If it is not mandatory to have the system on board, then now KERS is basically out-performed on the aero side. I would say if it isn't made mandatory it will disappear. That is just natural. It is a pity in my view because this has been a unique chance to really position F1 as a technology carrier, as a pioneer of innovative technology, and it would have been very good in the current economic climate for F1 as a whole."