The British Touring Car Championship has today (24 September) announced its commitment to using a more sustainable fuel from the 2022 season onwards.
TOCA – organiser of the BTCC – opened a tender process for the supply of a more sustainable fuel to the series from 2022-2026, with expressions of interest invited and received.
Following detailed assessment and careful review of all submissions, TOCA selected a fuel that is considerably more sustainable than that which has recently been introduced to petrol station forecourts throughout the UK (E10).
The BTCC’s new-for-2022 fuel – designated Hiperflo® R20 – has a total of 20% renewable components, comprising 15% second generation ethanol content and 5% of renewable hydrocarbons. It is calculated by the manufacturer that this will give approximately an 18% reduction in greenhouse gasses when compared to current pump fuel, significantly lowering the fuel’s impact on the environment.
The successful tender was submitted by Haltermann Carless, who have been supplying the unbranded TOCA control fuel to the BTCC for some 26 years.
A small batch of this new fuel was recently produced and distributed to all current BTCC engine builders, as well as the BTCC fuel system supplier ATL, for trial and test purposes. All tests and examinations of the new fuel have returned excellent results, with absolutely no adverse effects recorded to either engine performance or the fuel system.
The new fuel will be manufactured for the BTCC by Haltermann Carless at its refinery in Harwich, Essex, UK and distributed direct to the teams at each event by Vital Equipment Ltd.
The introduction of the new fuel next season will also coincide with the commencement of the BTCC’s Hybrid era, as the series continues to lead the way in UK motorsport with regards to sustainable technology.
Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “As the premier motorsport series in the UK it is only right that the BTCC continues to navigate a more sustainable pathway and we are pleased to be introducing a cleaner fuel from the 2022 season onwards. Congratulations to Haltermann Carless on its successful tender and we look forward to continuing our working relationship over the next five years.”
Mike Jardine, Haltermann Carless Racing Fuels Division, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen by the BTCC to supply our new renewable and sustainable control fuel to the Championship for the next 5 seasons. This is an exciting time for our company as we are working hard on the development and implementation of renewable and sustainable fuels in all areas of our business. Supplying our fuels to the pinnacle of British motorsport only adds to the credibility, pedigree and innovative nature of our products.”
