BTCC opts for 100% sustainable fuel for 2025 as hybrid engines dropped

The British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) will introduce 100 per cent sustainable fuels from next season.

Confirmed:

• First UK-based motorsport championship to adopt fully sustainable fossil-free fuel for all its cars
• Hybrid power dropped from the series after just three seasons

Context:

BTCC became the first touring car series in the world to confirm the use of hybrid power back in 2018, before the technology was launched for the 2022 season. This represents a significant shift in the series’ ‘green’ strategy, with the hybrid technology developed by Cosworth now deemed obsolete.

Cosworth will still remain involved in the championship, though, through its supply of the control electronics system. It will also manage a new turbo boost development system, replacing the previous push-to-pass system.

The removal of the hybrids will save 55 kilograms of weight on the cars, and the transition away from the complex technology will save the teams plenty of money.

Comment:

“The introduction of 100 per cent fossil free sustainable fuel for 2025 shows that the BTCC remains committed to innovation in motorsport,” said Alan Gow, chief executive of BTCC.

“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.

“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.

“We don’t just sit still with the BTCC – we evolve, and we advance, as today’s announcement firmly underlines.”

Coming next:

The 100 per cent sustainable fuels will debut at the start of next season, which gets underway at Donington Park from 26th to 27th April.

Go deeper:

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• BTCC opens applications for two new teams from 2025