BTCC commits to 100% sustainable fuel as hybrid power is discontinued

Series organisers of the British Touring Car Championship, TOCA, have announced that 100% sustainable fuel will be introduced for 2025, with the use of hybrid power being discounted.

Becoming the first championship in the UK to fully adapt sustainable fossil-free fuel for all of its cars, the BTCC will see all cars running on new fuel – designated Hiperflo ECO102 R100 – that has been specifically engineered to maximise performance, compatibility, and sustainability.

The introduction of fossil-free fuels means that the hybrid programme – which was officially launched for the 2022 season – will now come to an end.

Despite its departure, cars will continue to have the same power-boost output as in 2024 – and the same boost deployment format as previously used – with the additional power surge coming solely via turbo boost. Cars will also be some 55 kgs lighter and nimbler as a result. 

In a further tweak, all notifications of turbo boost deployment will be removed from the timing screens although information on the boost deployment will still be available to fans via the LED lights on the side windows of each car and on ITV’s live television graphics.

“The introduction of 100% fossil free sustainable fuel for 2025 shows that the BTCC remains committed to innovation in motorsport,” said BTCC Chief Executive, Alan Gow.

“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.”

Further rule changes that have been ratified by TOCA for the 2025 season are set to be released in the coming days.