BTCC: How All Racing Cars Will Use 100% Sustainable Fuel
TOCA, organiser of the British Touring Car Championship, has announced the introduction of 100% sustainable fuel for the coming season.
The move means the BTCC is the first championship in the UK to adopt fully sustainable fossil-free fuel for all its cars.
It became the first touring car series in the world to confirm the use of hybrid power in 2018, before being officially launched for the 2022 season.
Hybrid power has now been phased out.
Committed to innovation
The move is the latest milestone for BTCC, which has a detailed timeline for when it will hit its sustainability targets.
Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “The introduction of 100% fossil free sustainable fuel for 2025 shows that the BTCC remains committed to innovation in motorsport.
“As the highest profile championship in the UK, this introduction is a significant and essential step in maintaining the competitiveness and excitement synonymous with the BTCC, but in a more sustainable and forward-thinking way.”
He added that the move from hybrid to 100% sustainable fuel is a sign of the BTCC’s “evolution”.
He said: “The hybrid era was a great one for the BTCC. Six years ago, when we first announced hybrid, it was a technology still in its relative infancy within motorsport.
“We’ve successfully completed that programme – and really have no more to prove in that respect – whilst others have yet to catch up.
“But, as we’ve now ticked that box we can move further forward with the introduction of the fossil-free sustainable fuel, whilst very importantly delivering the same performance parameters that made this year’s BTCC such a memorable one.”
Alan added: “We don’t just sit still with the BTCC – we evolve, and we advance, as today’s announcement firmly underlines.”
Cars are no less competitive
One concern about the move to 100% sustainable fuel is that the cars will lose some power and competitive edge.
But the BTCC said that is not the case, adding: “From 2025, cars will have the same power-boost output as in 2024 – and the same boost deployment format as previously used – with the additional power surge coming solely via turbo boost.
“The cars will also be some 55kg lighter and nimbler as a result.”
The decision to switch has been made following the completion of all aspects of the fuel’s BTCC test and development programme, alongside a full assessment and consultation.
The hybrid system was provided by Cosworth Electronics, which BTCC said “remains an embedded partner of the BTCC, with all cars running the Cosworth Electronics suite”.
Cosworth will also continue to manage the turbo boost deployment system in its new guise.
Synthetic and biological fuel
The BTCC said the cumulative changes headlined by the introduction of 100% sustainable fuel “ensure that the BTCC maintains the same high levels of competitiveness, performance and excitement, but with the added advantage of its cars being lighter and more dynamic from 2025”.
The new fuel – designated Hiperflo ECO102 R100 – is specifically engineered to maximise performance, compatibility and sustainability.
It is 100% fossil-free, meaning all components are derived from synthetic and biological (i.e. non-crude) sources. Hiperflo ECO102 R100 conforms to the highest FIA and ISCC compliances.
In the foreword to the BTCC’s Sustainability Strategy, Alan said: “There are myriad opportunities for the BTCC to make a real difference in the coming years and beyond.
“However, this strategy isn’t the very beginning of our journey towards sustainable improvements as we have been developing informal sustainable practices for many years now.
“We’re thrilled to take you on our journey in contributing to a better, more sustainable future - whilst still entertaining our dedicated and loyal fans in the United Kingdom and across the world.”
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