Is it Fair to Have KERS Charged on the Grid?
Discussion
Well that’s the question. What do you think?
It strikes me that if the KERS cars are allowed to have their systems charged on the grid they have an unfair advantage.
All the cars have to qualify on race fuel and the quantity of fuel on board has an effect on their performance. They have to make a choice; go light and have a better grid slot or go heavy and have more strategy options. At this point everyone is on the same playing field.
But then the KERS cars can charge their systems before they get to the grid giving themselves about an extra 80BHP on the line.
I don’t think this is equitable. I think the KERS cars should go to the grid uncharged and they should charge up on the first lap.
I’m amazed the non KERS teams haven’t picked up on this; or am I missing something?
It strikes me that if the KERS cars are allowed to have their systems charged on the grid they have an unfair advantage.
All the cars have to qualify on race fuel and the quantity of fuel on board has an effect on their performance. They have to make a choice; go light and have a better grid slot or go heavy and have more strategy options. At this point everyone is on the same playing field.
But then the KERS cars can charge their systems before they get to the grid giving themselves about an extra 80BHP on the line.
I don’t think this is equitable. I think the KERS cars should go to the grid uncharged and they should charge up on the first lap.
I’m amazed the non KERS teams haven’t picked up on this; or am I missing something?
I disagree. If they weren't able to use it then KERS cars would have a disadvantage off the grid - as they'd have to accelerate the extra weight, without it giving them any benefit.
I don't know if they actually pre-charge the KERS systems anyway, or if they just gets energized during the formation lap.
Also remember that the other teams are only at a disadvantage because they failed to develop a KERS system, or to make one that worked reliably.
Hasn't really affected the championship either way has it!
I don't know if they actually pre-charge the KERS systems anyway, or if they just gets energized during the formation lap.
Also remember that the other teams are only at a disadvantage because they failed to develop a KERS system, or to make one that worked reliably.
Hasn't really affected the championship either way has it!
And bearing in mind the 30~kg the KERS package weighs which is detrimental to the balance of the car. And they're 'only' able to deploy KERS at speeds greater than 100kph.Gaz. said:
Alfie Noakes said:
They can charge the KERS in the garage.
All the cars have the same minimum weight limit.
So what? KERS is available to any and all teams at any point in the season, and as has been pointed out by the commentary team it isn't without it's dowsides, such as 30kg in a less than ideal place in the car and it affects braking too (as shown by Fisi).All the cars have the same minimum weight limit.
Your argument stinks but I like your car. I have one very similar.
fadeaway said:
I disagree. If they weren't able to use it then KERS cars would have a disadvantage off the grid - as they'd have to accelerate the extra weight, without it giving them any benefit.
The cars weigh the same with or without KERS, the disadvatage to them is the placement of the weight within the chassis, non KERS cars have more options available to move ballast and therefore trim the cars better for optimum performance, whereas the KERS cars have a static weight load that can't be used to tune performanceGaz. said:
Alfie Noakes said:
Gaz. said:
Alfie Noakes said:
They can charge the KERS in the garage.
All the cars have the same minimum weight limit.
So what? KERS is available to any and all teams at any point in the season, and as has been pointed out by the commentary team it isn't without it's dowsides, such as 30kg in a less than ideal place in the car and it affects braking too (as shown by Fisi).All the cars have the same minimum weight limit.
Your argument stinks but I like your car. I have one very similar.
Alfie Noakes said:
Gaz. said:
Is KERS available to all - yes/no?
Fuel is available to all but a few cars aren't allowed a sly top up between Q3 and the race. In effect that is what is happening to the KERS cars they are getting "free" energy before the race starts.Alfie Noakes said:
Fuel is available to all but a few cars aren't allowed a sly top up between Q3 and the race. In effect that is what is happening to the KERS cars they are getting "free" energy before the race starts.
But if they were not allowed to deploy it they would instead be facing a 30kg or so weight disadvantage off the line.Bombjack said:
Alfie Noakes said:
Gaz. said:
Is KERS available to all - yes/no?
Fuel is available to all but a few cars aren't allowed a sly top up between Q3 and the race. In effect that is what is happening to the KERS cars they are getting "free" energy before the race starts.Jasandjules said:
Alfie Noakes said:
Fuel is available to all but a few cars aren't allowed a sly top up between Q3 and the race. In effect that is what is happening to the KERS cars they are getting "free" energy before the race starts.
But if they were not allowed to deploy it they would instead be facing a 30kg or so weight disadvantage off the line.All the cars have the same minimum weight.
The KERS is charged on the warmup lap, not in the pit. The KERS system cannot be externally charged[1]
Yes there is a minimum weight, but without the KERS the weight can be made up of ballast placed in the optimum position.
[1]I don't know this for sure, I just made it up and it sounds good.
Yes there is a minimum weight, but without the KERS the weight can be made up of ballast placed in the optimum position.
[1]I don't know this for sure, I just made it up and it sounds good.
skinny said:
it's as fair as one car having better aero or a bigger budget than another, so i'd say yes because i don't want that to stop, i'm all for variety in F1 
Indeed, this has been one of the few things this year where technology has been showcased, the fact that it's restricted is a bummer, as I believe unrestricted it would be a mahoosive advantage.May as well make is a spec formula if you don't have cars doing something slightly different
AndrewW-G said:
fadeaway said:
I disagree. If they weren't able to use it then KERS cars would have a disadvantage off the grid - as they'd have to accelerate the extra weight, without it giving them any benefit.
The cars weigh the same with or without KERS, the disadvatage to them is the placement of the weight within the chassis, non KERS cars have more options available to move ballast and therefore trim the cars better for optimum performance, whereas the KERS cars have a static weight load that can't be used to tune performance
I knew that, thanks for reminding me.KERS cars would still be disadvantaged if they couldn't use it off the grid though - as they may not be able to deploy it at the optimum moments during the first lap, as they'd have to wait for it to charge. Meanwhile the non-KERS cars have their weight distribution advantage from the very start.
Edited by fadeaway on Tuesday 29th September 17:07
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