KERS to be 'very helpful' - Heidfeld

Nov.21 - Nick Heidfeld says he is looking forward to the deployment of KERS technology in formula one races next year.

The German sampled BMW-Sauber's early running version of the system in the famously aesthetically-challenged interim car this week.

"There are still many things to sort out," Heidfeld is quoted as saying by the Cologne newspaper Express, "but when I press the (boost) button, I can already notice a difference.

"It should be very helpful," he added.

It is believed that BMW's KERS system is already delivering bursts of additional 80 horse power.

It is clear, however, that development of the new technology still has some way to go, given the 'high voltage' warnings on the bodywork of many of the teams' test cars this week.

Mechanics, meanwhile, can frequently be seen wearing elbow-length insulated gloves in the pits, ostensibly because of the ongoing risk of electric shock.