THE International Federation of Automobile has ensured the safety of race marshals who will be handling cars who have been equipped with the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS).

KERS are currently in use for Formula One motor sport 2009 season and under development for road vehicles. The concept of transferring the vehicle’s kinetic energy using Flywheel energy storage was postulated by physicist Richard Feynman in the 1950s.

The energy can either be stored as mechanical energy (as in a flywheel) or can be stored as electrical energy (as in a battery or super capacitor).

The Sepang International Circuit race management, who will be marshalling the Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix from April 3-5 was briefed by FIA's KERS team official on the matter today ahead of tomorrow's (Friday) practice session.

"As only four teams are using the KERS system, it has made it safer. Cars with KERS might discharge about 400 watts of electricity."

"However, all 650 marshalling staff and safety staff who will in charge of recovering the cars or drivers have been supplied with a special glove which is designed to be safe up to 1000 watts," said Kumarasamy Chellapan, SIC Cheif Operation Officer

To ensure maximum safety cars with KERS which are in the McLaren, Ferrari, Renault and BMW Sauber, a safety switch has been installed on the car in which marshals will have to switch off before moving the car our out the way.

"If the engine ceases, KERS will automatically turn of as well," added Kumarasamy.

"Being it only four cars and a high safety standard by KERS, gloves issued to all the marshals will just be an extra safety step," added Kumarasamy.

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