Ambitious synthetic fuel target for F2

Formula 2 has pledged to run on 100% synthetic fuel by 2027 at the latest, following the reveal at Monza of the second tier’s new ground-effect Dallara that will race from 2024.

The spec series already runs on 55% bio-sourced sustainable fuel and has outlined a stepped approach to develop the technology upon which so much rides for all motor sport.

“In 2025 we will have 85% synthetic fuel,” said F2 deputy technical director Pierre-Alain Michot. “In anticipation of that we have made a pre-upgrade of our Mecachrome 3.4-litre single turbo V6 engine and the final upgrade will come in 2025. Then we will do another third step in 2027 – although we’d like to do it earlier if we can – to 100% synthetic fuel.

“Aramco is our partner and we are working closely with them to make sure we have both performance and reliability, which is the case this year. We have had the same performance we had with the previous fuel in terms of power on the dyno, and on track the lap times were the same.”

Improved safety and an enhanced racing spectacle have been the targets of the 2024 F2, in line with the latest-generation Formula 1 regulations. “We have worked hard on the aerodynamics to allow the cars to follow each other more by cleaning the dirty air at the back of the car,” said Michot.

The sculpted ‘perch seat’ DRS rear wing is the signature feature. “We were able to push quite high, which is why we have some visibly different wing concepts than what we have in F1,” said Michot. “In overall concept there is a lot of carry-over from the current car, but in terms of parts it’s 75-80% new.”