Prodrive will become one of the first teams in the world to use sustainable fuels in an FIA championship.
The Oxfordshire-based motorsport specialist has developed its own ECOPower formula in collaboration with Coryton Advanced Fuels.
It will be used in Prodrive’s own Hunter T1+ off-road racer (pictured), which competes in the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies later this year.
Greener off-road racing
An eight-month development programme has created ECOpower, which is intended to show the potential of sustainable fuels. Components are taken from agricultural waste, and also from capturing carbon in the environment.
Prodrive claims this reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent compared with regular unleaded petrol.
David Richards, Prodrive’s chairman, said: “I am a great advocate of motorsport taking the lead in developing, proving and promoting new technologies that can help address climate change.”
No modifications were needed to the engine in the Hunter T1+. An entry into the 2022 Dakar Rally should offer a serious test of the fuel’s performance.
Race for sustainability
It marks the latest move by motorsport teams and organisers to increase environmental sustainability.
Formula 1 has already begun research into using sustainable fuel. New rules to be introduced in 2022 will require teams to use an E10 fuel blend, derived from food waste and biomass.
Bentley revealed a Continental GT3 race car powered by sustainable fuel in April this year. The bewinged racer was entered into the Pikes Peak International Hillclimb to help evaluate biofuels.
Next year will also see the British Touring Car Championship make a move to hybrid powertrains.
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