Following “far-reaching analysis”, BMW Sauber claim the mechanic hospitalised after suffering an electric shock when he touched a car fitted with KERS was never in any serious danger. “The mechanic suffered an electric shock after touching the sidepod and steering wheel of the car,” said BMW’s Markus Duesmann.
“There was a high frequency AC voltage between these contact points, the cause of which has been traced back to the KERS control unit and a sporadic capacitive coupling from the high-voltage network to the 12-volt network,” he added.
“However, the energy is sufficient to cause an extremely painful reaction. The driver was insulated against the car by his racing overalls and gloves and therefore not in any danger.”
Some F1 teams may postpone the introduction of the controversial KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) after 2009. The new system is due to become a standard feature on cars next season, but teething troubles and high development costs are putting some teams off.
BMW Sauber (an electric shock) and Red Bull (an electrical fire) have both suffered KERS incidents in the last few weeks, with Toyota engine chief Luca Marmorini claiming that “all teams are having problems” with the system.
