For Kovalainen, McLaren will use KERS in Melbourne

McLaren driver Heikki Kovalainen believes that his team will use the new KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System).

) in Melbourne.

This season, which will begin in just three weeks, will see the system make its debut, even though some teams have already announced that they will not start the championship with this new system.

However, Kovalainen is convinced that McLaren will use the KERS at the Australian Grand Prix this month. When asked this week in Jerez during testing if the team will be able to use the system, the Finn replied: « I’m 99% sure. I think we are at a stage today where we can run with it every day, reliably and at maximum power. »

« So, unless last-minute things go wrong, I see no reason not to launch the KERS in Melbourne. »

Toyota, Red Bull, and Williams have already stated that they are likely not to use the system in Australia, while the majority of the other teams have not yet confirmed.

Kovalainen continued: « It would certainly be a huge advantage to start the season with KERS, as it gives you a great advantage from the start to the first corner, and obviously for overtaking. »

« We hope to be among the only ones using the KERS. However, there are other good teams, and I wouldn’t want to underestimate them. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them using the KERS as well. »