Di Montezemolo critical of KERS

Formula One teams will be allowed to run KERS from the start of next season in a move that will improve F1's green credentials and fast-track car manufacturers' knowledge of energy recovery systems.

But di Montezemolo has spoken out against the move - saying he believes it is wrong to introduce KERS because the costs of developing the technology are so high.

"The future looks very complicated with these new regulations," he was quoted as saying by Autosprint. "We feel introducing KERS already this year was a mistake, even though we're in favour of F1 being a technological springboard. But the energy recovery system in the races will in any case be very different from the road system.

"It's true, however, that the costs are prohibitive, and with FOTA we've studied important proposals in order to meet Max Mosley's fair requests regarding spending cuts.

"The engine for three GPs for ten million euros means the cost is halved compared to 2008. In 2011 we'll get to five millions, compared to 20 millions from four years before then. On top of that, there is the reduction of testing to 15,000 kms.

"I think we need to rely on good sense: the general one, and the FIA world council's one. Our proposals approved for 2009 set an example. We have two objectives: to help the smaller teams, and to allow F1 to still do research and innovation, also for fuel suppliers.

"It's unthinkable that the big car manufacturers can accept to re-badge the engines built by someone else."