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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_Formula_One_season#Rule_changes
Along with changes to bodywork and tyre size, the 2006 document also included details of a Kinetic Energy Recovery System. This is a regenerative braking device designed to recover some of the vehicle's kinetic energy, which is normally dissipated as heat during braking. The recovered energy can be stored electrically, in a battery or supercapacitor, or mechanically, in a flywheel, for use as a source of additional accelerative power at the driver's discretion by way of a boost button on the steering wheel. The regulations limit the additional power to around 82 hp (61 kW) for six seconds a lap. The regulations did not make this compulsory, and because of concerns about both limited performance gains and safety implications very few cars opted to use the system; from a peak of eight cars at Bahrain to just four cars (the Ferraris and McLarens) at the last few races. Because of this, and its relative expense, KERS is to be scrapped for 2010.
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