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Toyota doubt that Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems can be safely introduced into Formula One in time for next season.

The F1 team's president John Howett (pictured) spoke out after a BMW Sauber mechanic received an electric shock from a test car utilising KERS.

The development allows energy to be stored from operation of the car during the race then used for a boost via the pressing of a button.

"We're all fighting very hard to have a raceable, safe KERS, but whether it is achievable or not is yet to be seen," Howett told Autosport. "The challenges are enormous for everybody.

"I think if you read between the lines, a lot of the teams are struggling [to bring it in within the expected time frame]."

Howett added that he believes the specific problems can be overcome over a longer period, but aiming for 2009 is very optimistic.

"Everybody knows the type of batteries that we're using, and the voltages involved, and the training that you have to go through," Howett added.

"I think a lot of these issues can be overcome. Whether they can be overcome to a satisfactory, safe level before the first race, I can't hand-on-heart tell you [the answer].

"We're working flat-out to try and do that, or to find alternatives to batteries, but I doubt whether that will be feasible for next year."

Honda team principal Ross Brawn said he doubts whether they will have KERS in place from the start of the next campaign.

"I don't know for certain," he said. "KERS has a performance gain but the downside is accommodating and packaging all the various elements.

"I think the performance gain at the moment is possibly marginal, but then we haven't necessarily explored all the potential of KERS, how it can be used.

"We are scheduling to start the season with it, but we will see how it develops. The new car is designed to accommodate it."

Jonathan Symcox / Eurosport