Toyota team president John Howett has confirmed reports the Japanese squad will probably commence the 2009 season without a KERS system.

After a FOTA alliance meeting voted down a proposal to delay the new technology until 2010, McLaren boss Ron Dennis suggested to the media that "one team" planned to race in Melbourne next March without a KERS system anyway.

"It is very unlikely that at the first race we will have a safe and reliable KERS that will add performance benefits," Howett said at Interlagos.

"I am not saying that after some time it won't, but there are some pretty big issues."

He also seemed to scold Dennis for tipping off the press about Toyota's plans after a confidential meeting.

"I do resent that people have mentioned that. It was a genuine meeting of absolute confidence," Howett said.

Source: GMM