F1 Targets 12 Percent CO2 Emissions Cut by 2012

The Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) is quite aligned with the environmental expectations set by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) for the future. More, the teams' alliance is stepping up in its efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve the fuel economy of the F1 cars, as confirmed by the FOTA chairman Martin Whitmarsh.

According to the McLaren Mercedes team boss, speaking on behalf of the entire F1 field, the FOTA and the FIA will work together to make sure that the level of CO2 emissions resulted in a race will be cut by at least 12 percent in 3 years time. Additionally, by introducing a new engine and gearbox rulebook in 2013, the FOTA is targeting a massive drop in fuel consumption through new technologies.

“It has already been possible to reduce Formula 1's total carbon emissions. Building on what we have already achieved, we anticipate that by 2012 F1 will have reduced its total carbon emissions by 12.4 per cent compared with 2009,” predicted Whitmarsh in a statement.

“In addition, the FIA and FOTA are already working together to tailor the 2013 technical regulations to ensuring that all engines and powertrains used in F1 by that date will showcase, and provide a platform for the ongoing development of, technologies designed to enhance fuel efficiency.”

“This is a very exciting time for Formula 1 and I am delighted that our sport has been able to take a global environmental lead in this way,” concluded Whitmarsh.

Additionally, a FOTA statement stressed the importance of Formula One in setting up a “development platform for new automotive technologies” like turbocharging, fuel injection, variable valve timing and kinetic energy recovery systems (KERS), and vowed to continue to do the same in regards to the new environmental trend in automotive industry worldwide.