Formula One motor racing going green?
Posted by DavidM in Driving | 22 December 2006
I used to be a big fan of Formula One and still enjoy the occasional race but I never thought of it as remotely green. However, things could be changing.
Marketing Week reported that Nick Fry, the team boss of Honda, is a keen green supporter and wants to introduce environmentally friendly practises in the team. This includes installing solar panels on team trucks and mobile homes - manufactured by a divison of Honda.
Team Honda are funded by Honda's research and development budget, unlike Williams who are funded by sponsors or Renault who are paid out of the car manufacturers marketing budget. This makes sense as Honda already have a stake in low emission cars with their hybrid vehicle and will be looking to translate the F1 technology to their road cars.
But it goes further than that. Max Mosley, President of the FIA - Formula One's governing body - said in an interview with Autosport;
"We want to make the research work done in F1 not just cost-effective but also road relevant... and in particular things which are relevant to perhaps the biggest single issue which confronts the car industry worldwide, namely the reduction of the output of CO2."
This includes the recovery of excess and waste heat as well as improved efficiency in engines and systems. However, Marketing Week also reports that the FIA and the teams have agreed to the introduction of renewable fuels to the sport within five years.
This is important because petrol heads are never going to be swayed by the green lobby. To effect a change amongst keen drivers we need champions within their community. Formula One is the pinnacle of motor sport and their use of renewable fuels would not only give them visibility worldwide but also a clear stamp of credibility.
Good luck to the FIA and team Honda. I hope they introduce all the measures as soon as they can.
