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Formula 2 and Formula 3 race on sustainable fuels
The FIA Formula 2 Championship, which acts as a feeder series for Formula 1, utilised Advanced Sustainable Fuels for the first time in a competitive race at the Bahrain International Circuit over the weekend.
The opening round of the 2023 season saw all F2 cars use the sustainable fuel, which was developed by Formula 1 partner and Saudi oil company, Aramco. The fuel is being pioneered by F2 and Formula 3 before F1 switches to Advanced Sustainable Fuels in three years’ time, in line with new engine regulations.
The World Motor Sport Council has approved F2 and F3 to run 55% Advanced Sustainable Fuels throughout the 2023 championships. F2 and F3 will then gradually increase the sustainable elements year-on-year before reaching 100% for the 2027 season, following the introduction of 100% sustainable fuels in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship in 2026.
Advanced Sustainable Fuel is a key component in Formula 1’s plans to become net-zero by 2030.
Prior to the opening weekend of the 2023 season, F2 and F3 drivers completed over 8,000 laps on the 55% Advanced Sustainable Fuel during pre-season testing. This year’s F2 and F3 Championships will feature 14 and 10 rounds, respectively.
“Sustainability is a huge focus for us at F1 as the business continues on the journey to being Net Zero Carbon by 2030, and the development of the Advanced Sustainable Fuels alongside our global partner Aramco, is a huge step..."
Stefano Domenicali, president and chief executive of Formula 1, said: “A lot of research and dedication has gone into the creation of the Advanced Sustainable Fuels that the F2 and F3 cars will be using this year, and we’re delighted to see it now in action on the racetrack. The role of the F2 and F3 Championships has never been more important, as they continue to nurture the next generation of driver talent and inspire game-changing innovation.
“Sustainability is a huge focus for us at F1 as the business continues on the journey to being Net Zero Carbon by 2030, and the development of the Advanced Sustainable Fuels alongside our global partner Aramco, is a huge step that will see the sport and the wider automotive industry move towards a more sustainable future.”
Ahmad Al-Khowaiter, chief technology officer, Aramco, added: “The milestone reached shows that we can achieve lower life-cycle emissions from combustion engines by investing in the fuels that power them. Aramco’s researchers and our partners are working hard to make motorsports fully powered by low carbon fuels a reality.
“Aramco is committed to exploring practical solutions that can enable decarbonisation of the transport sector, from low carbon fuels and more efficient engines to cutting-edge materials and carbon capture technology.”
Image: United Autosports/ CC BY-SA 2.0/ Edited for size