2009 development behind schedule at Ferrari

While many top teams have already track tested their KERS system for use in the 2009 season, the Scuderia Ferrari has yet to do so and is behind schedule in the development process. The main reason for this is the lack of experience in regenerative sytems for the Maranello based team.

"I can't deny we are running a bit late. Let's say that I would like to have tried our system already. We have a lot to do but time is short. Even though we have two weeks more compared to the past, we must follow the collective tests calendar. There's a test in mid January and we can't miss it," shared technical director Aldo Costa to 'Gazzetta dello Sport'.

Costa further adds that since the team is fighting hard for the 2008 titles, more resources than planned have been put towards seasonal development of the F2008, thus explaining why KERS development for next season has been held back. But other aspects such as aero are on track and components have been constructed already.

He also raises an important issue about how the new regulations will affect next seasons project, "The rear wing will be taller and narrower, the bodywork smoother and more sealed off because we won't have the current liberty of opening air vents anymore, and this has forced us to heavily re-design the cooling system," which increases speculation of the high cooling requirements of the Tipo 056 engine in use.