SKF AB (Sweden) is continuing as the Scuderia Ferrari Formula One race team's primary bearing supplier, having inked a new three-year contract back in February.

However, news is that SKF also supplies groundbreaking new bearing designs for Ferrari's version of Formula One's new-for-this-year KERS system allowance.

KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) is a technology which allows the race cars to harness waste energy under braking by adding a supplemental electromechanical drive system. KERS is allowed to store up a limited amount of energy for a short-term extra boost each lap. For 2009, KERS systems are limited to 111 watt-hours (400 kilojoules) boost to the rear wheels only, and lasting no more than 6.5 seconds per lap. The system must weigh 30kg (66 lbs).

Even though many teams have been working on KERS systems for years, the systems are optional for 2009; they will be required on all cars from 2010 on.

The KERS system used by Ferrari is designed and built by Magneti Marelli, a 60kW brushless DC electric motor driven by a lithium ion battery pack. Flywheel systems are also being developed.

For 2011, the energy allowance jumps to 222wh (800kj), and in 2013, KERS will be allowed to drive front and/or rear wheels with up to 1.6 megajoules of energy per lap.

KERS required SKF to develop coated bearings specifically for that application, since it sees high power in a short time, experiences high loads constantly under race conditions, and develops temperature spikes over 200°C.

The flywheel KERS technology being developed by Bosch is equally impressive. It stores energy in a compact composite flywheel system, spinning at speeds not specifically disclosed but estimated to vary between 50,000 rpm discharged and 150,000 rpm fully charged.

SKF has partnered with Ferrari for over 60 years, and currently supplies around 150 components for each of the team's F60 Formula One race cars.