The DTM has initiated a long-term development programme for a emission-reduced high-performance fuel, beginning with trials at this weekend’s season finale, at the Hockenheimring (4-6 October).
The special fuel, developed by long-time series partner Aral, consists of 50 per cent high-quality renewable components derived from waste products. As a result, it has a carbon footprint more than 30 per cent lower than fuels manufactured entirely from mineral oils.
This fuel will be evaluated at Hockenheim by Audi and Aston Martin, in the race-taxis used during the weekend support programme for competition winners, VIPs and prominent guests for unique, high-speed passenger rides.
Audi will use its 2017 Audi RS 5 DTM race-taxi, fitted with an additional passenger seat; R-Motorsport will use an Aston Martin Vantage GT4 race car.
High-performance fuel with DTM’s regular octane rating of 102
Following extensive dyno testing, the aim of this weekend’s pilot trial is to understand the performance and potential of a more environmentally friendly high-performance fuel in representative race engines.
This new formulation mirrors the high-quality performance levels of Aral Ultimate 102, the fuel used in the DTM. It not only maintains the same high-octane rating required by the DTM, but also meets the requirements of the legal fuel norm, DIN EN 228.
Peter Sauermann, head of Aral Research, explained: « With the development and first application of this fuel, we’re demonstrating the potential of refined liquid fuels in a combustion engine. In the future, these can make a significant contribution to reducing carbon emissions in traffic. »
« Pilot project is part of rich programme for the future »
Following a successful first trial at Hockenheim, the next step is to continue testing using race-taxis throughout the 2020 DTM season.
« This pilot project is part of a rich programme for the future aimed at the introduction of sustainable drive technologies to the DTM, » said Achim Kostron, managing director of DTM organisation ITR. « And, as part of that process, our scope will expand from greener fuels to include a greater focus on hybrid drive. »
The ITR organisation has already begun a hybrid-drive specification process with a number of prospective technical partners. For budgetary reasons, all hybrid-system components will be produced as control components for every DTM car, and will be used in conjunction with the current four-cylinder turbo-charged engines.
Kostron added: « Our main aim will always be to provide spectacular racing for the fans. Equally, however, motorsport has a responsibility to investigate new technologies for the automotive industry, or to intensively develop them in a high-performance environment. Together with our manufacturers and technology partners, the ITR is working intensively on the technical configuration for the DTM car of the future. »
Press release DTM
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