Automakers and energy giants are rethinking the environmental impact of motorsports, so much so that next year’s edition of the world’s oldest endurance race will be won in a car powered by wine dregs.
Oil major TotalEnergies SE said Aug. 20 that it’s developing its own 100% renewable fuel for motorsport which will be introduced from next year, including at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in France, where the car that covers the greatest distance in a full day wins.
The so-called advanced ethanol fuel is made in part with residues from the French wine industry, such as wine lees and grape pomace. Pierre Fillon, president of Automobile Club de l’Ouest, which organizes the race, said that the event is well suited to test out biofuel.