Key Points
- The 2024 Goodwood Revival will mandate the use of sustainable fuels for all competing cars.
- This initiative aligns with FIA’s standards, requiring fuels with at least 70% sustainable components.
- The transition to eco-friendly fuel won’t alter the classic cars’ performance, preserving the event’s competitive spirit.
In a groundbreaking move for historic motorsport events, the 2024 Goodwood Revival has announced a significant shift towards environmental responsibility. For the first time in its storied history, the event will require all competing vehicles to use sustainable fuels, aligning with the growing trend of eco-consciousness in motorsports.
Set to take place from 6-8 September at the Goodwood Motor Circuit, this renowned annual event has embraced the future by mandating that all participating cars use fuel with at least 70% advanced sustainable components. This requirement adheres to the FIA’s (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile; English: International Automobile Federation) current standards for sustainable fuel, signifying a major step in the direction of eco-friendly racing.
Sustainable fuels are renewable energy sources made from biomass like corn, sugarcane, or algae, used as alternatives to fossil fuels in vehicles. They are considered environmentally friendlier, as they typically emit fewer greenhouse gases, with the more advanced types being able to be used in existing engines without modification.
Therefore, this transition to sustainable fuels will not necessitate any modifications to the classic cars participating in the event. Organizers anticipate that on-track performance will remain consistent across various classes and categories, ensuring that the racing action remains as thrilling as ever.
The Duke of Richmond, the founder of both the Festival of Speed and the Goodwood Revival, expressed his pride in this pioneering decision. “Goodwood has an illustrious motorsport history, and we are delighted to continue this legacy with sustainable fuel at next year’s Revival,” he stated. This move places Goodwood at the forefront of sustainable practices in historic motorsport events.
The 2023 Goodwood Revival already showcased the potential of sustainable fuels in historic racing. A race featuring pre-1966 Porsche 911s, including notable drivers such as 2009 Formula 1 champion Jenson Button and nine-time Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen, successfully used sustainable fuel. Additionally, Ben Collings and Gareth Graham made history by winning the Rudge-Whitworth Cup in a 1925 Bentley Speed Model, powered by sustainable fuel.
The implementation of sustainable fuels will extend beyond the Revival, with the Ken Miles Cup and Gordon Spice Trophy at the 2024 Goodwood Members’ Meeting also adopting this requirement.
Sebastian Vettel, the four-time F1 champion, has been a vocal advocate for sustainable fuels in motorsports. His participation in the Festival of Speed, driving historic Formula 1 cars on sustainable fuel, underscores the potential of these fuels in maintaining the sport’s heritage while embracing environmental responsibility.
Goodwood’s commitment to sustainable fuels represents a significant step in the evolution of historic motor racing. By balancing the preservation of motorsport’s rich history with a commitment to sustainability, Goodwood Revival 2024 is set to be an event that not only celebrates the past but also leads the way towards a more sustainable future in the world of automotive sports.
Source:
https://www.goodwood.com/grr/event-coverage/goodwood-revival/2023/11/2024-goodwood-revival-will-race-exclusively-with-sustainable-fuel/
