The KERS Go Racing

Sorry, family joke title. Normal posting continues below. 

KERS stands for Kinetic Energy Recovery System. It's going to be an option to Formula One teams this coming season, and will allow the storage and release of energy generated during braking to allow for a short burst of extra acceleration, with the aim of aiding passing. 

It's quite a clever idea, really. Only problem I can see, and I've done limited thinking about this, so I might be totally wide of the mark, is that the KERS stores the energy as electrical charge. One mechanic has apparently already been shocked in pre-season testing. Not so much of a problem (rubber boots, etc.), until you consider the fact that the fuel used in Formula One ignites and engulfs mechanics and drivers in fiery hell if you so much as look at it the wrong way. It doesn't help that the only way you know you're on fire is to feel yourself burning, as the flames are nigh invisible.

So, we're going to be putting a high electical charge near the point where incredibly volatile fuel goes in the car (because everything has to be there for the centre of gravity to work properly) and this is meant to be safe? 

I dunno....