The WTCR − FIA World Touring Car Cup will be powered by sustainable fuel from this season following confirmation of partnership agreements between P1 Racing Fuels, motorsport governing body the Federation Internationale de L'Automobile (FIA), and WTCR promoter Eurosport Events Ltd.
Germany-based P1 Racing Fuels, part of P1 Performance Fuels GmbH has been confirmed as the WTCR’s Official Fuel Supplier by the FIA World Motor Sport Council after it was successful in developing a bespoke racing biofuel product for the WTCR during a rigorous tender process overseen by the FIA Technical Department.
The new biofuel formulation seeks to significantly reduce carbon footprint while never compromising on engine performance. It will result in WTCR drivers being powered by a bespoke fuel featuring 15 percent renewable components for the first time.
These non-fossil fuel-based components have been derived from bioethanol produced from cellulose and ligneous biomass, as well as bio-synthetic (fully renewable) fuel. This allows P1 Racing Fuels to offer an environmentally conscious and cost-effective alternative to conventional race fuel as it works towards an ambitious target of producing 100 percent fossil-free racing fuel for its partners.
The appointment of P1 Racing Fuels as the WTCR’s Official Fuel Supplier is an important first step towards the use of 100 percent sustainable fuel in the series as outlined in the roadmap we have defined for the introduction of biofuel in WTCR. P1 Racing Fuels has not only delivered this bespoke product, it has done so on budget as part of ongoing cost-reduction measures. By working with P1 Racing Fuels, the WTCR teams and customer racing departments can continue to count on high performance on the track, as well as the support of an experienced and trusted partner during an exciting new era for the series, said Alan Gow, President of the FIA Touring Car Commission.
Fuel formulation specialist
P1 Racing Fuels specializes in the production and on-site delivery of high-quality racing fuels across multiple motorsport series, from rallying to GT racing, to two-wheelers with a portfolio of over a dozen bespoke racing formulations.
Using an ISO-certified process to bring pure chemical components together at a molecular level, each specially developed and tested with the world’s leading auto manufacturers and OEMs to give the edge on the track.
As a pioneer in our field, P1 Racing Fuels has always focused on delivering cutting-edge innovation in our products, using new processes, components, and technical know-how to formulate sustainable, high-performing biofuels produced and delivered cost-efficiently. We believe that the future of racing is fossil fuel-free, and we are very pleased to support the WTCR in taking this important step towards a more sustainable future for the sport, said Martin Poplika, P1 Racing Fuels.
TCR cars from Alfa Romeo, Audi, CUPRA, Honda, Hyundai, Lynk & Co, and Renault raced in the WTCR − FIA World Touring Car Cup in 2020. The cars use turbocharged engines with power capped at 360 bhp. Top speeds reaching 260 kph can be achieved at certain tracks.
Switching the WTCR to biofuel from P1 Racing Fuels further demonstrates Eurosport Events’ objective to promote more sustainable motorsport. The move also completely aligns the WTCR with the FIA’s #PurposeDriven movement environment pillar, said François Ribeiro, Head of Eurosport Events, WTCR promoter,
P1 Racing Fuels is also the Official Fuels Partner of the FIA European Rally Championship. Like the WTCR, the ERC is promoted by Eurosport Events.
