The Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) is all set to begin the production of fuel in Formula One (F1) cars, in just three months, commencing the entry of Indian oil companies into F1 championships for the very first time.
IOC, Competing With Global Majors:
IOC has set sight on the Grand Prix and will be competing with global majors like Shell after it gets its Formula 1 fuel certified in around three months.
IOC, the country’s largest oil firm controlling roughly 40% of fuel market share, will be the first Indian company and only a handful globally that will produce fuel used in F1.
The petrol used in F1 cars is essentially high-octane petrol, the standards of which are heavily regulated by global motor sport governing body Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) on various counts, including permissible additives and blending agents.
IOC will produce fuel for F1 cars at the Pradip refinery in Odisha, which is known for its advanced technology and strategic location, as it enhances its attractiveness to business by enabling seamless trade with lower operational costs and improved air connectivity while the Pradip port is a major seaport on the eastern coast of India.
IOC’s Partnership With FIM ARRC:
Moreover, IOC will be the official fuel partner for the Federation Internationale De Motocyclisme (FIM) Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) for three years, 2024 to 2026, supplying across all ARRC race rounds.
“Today, we are partnering with FIM Asia Road Racing Championship for the supply of ‘Storm’. We are the first company in India to manufacture fuel of specifications used in road racing,” said IOC Chairman Shrikant Madhav Vaidya.
Currently, F1 uses E10 fuel containing 10% renewable ethanol. The percentage of fuel coming from non-fossil sources, such as alcohol, algae, or wastekeeping, is to go up to 40% this year and 100% sustainable fuel from 2026.
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IOC would start manufacturing similar grade fuel and thereafter pitch to automobile makers racing in F1.
Also, unlike the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship where there is only one single fuel supplier for all the motorcycles racing, F1 allows teams to select their own fuel supplier. For example, Shell is the fuel supplier to Ferrari and Petronas is the fuel supplier to Mercedes-AMG.
“Our R&D (research and development) in two months will be able to produce Category-1 fuel and in three months Formula 1 fuel,” said the IOC Chairman. “Unless we go to F1, the journey is not complete.“
Indian Oil will also be providing FIM category 2 race fuel, “STORM-Ultimate Racing Fuel,” across all Asia Road Racing Championship rounds. The fuel will be provided for all motorcyclists from 15 countries that will participate in the FIM ARRC.
IOC’s Brand New Fuel Category:
STORM, IOC’s recently launched category of fuel for motor racing vehicles, showcases Indian Oil’s innovation and expertise in producing specialized fuels that adhere to stringent international norms, receiving approval from the FIM-approved M/s Intertek in Switzerland. STORM also includes AVGas 100LL and reference fuels.
Now, fuel retailers like IOC sell petrol and diesel of mainly two kinds, that is, regular and premium, through their fuel station network. The biggest difference between the normal and premium fuel is the octane number.
The regular fuel has an octane number of 87, while the premium fuel has an octane number of 91. Reference grade fuel comes with a 97-octane number. The octane number is a unit to measure the ignition quality of petrol or diesel.
Vaidya said his company has three premium fuels – 95-octane XP95 petrol and 100-octane XP100 petrol used in high-end luxury cars and bikes.
The multiple benefits of using Storm fuel include ensuring the cleanliness of engine parts and the fuel delivery system, while also providing corrosion protection for the vehicle’s metallic components.
“As we embark on this exhilarating partnership with TWMR for the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, Indian Oil is proud to fuel the fast lanes of motorsport with our cutting-edge ‘STORM-Ultimate Racing Fuel’.
The fuel stands as a symbol of innovation and excellence, embodying our relentless pursuit of developing specialised fuels that meet stringent international standards. This collaboration marks a significant step in strengthening the ‘Make in India’ initiative on the global stage,” said Chairman of Indian Oil, Shrikant Madhav Vaidya.
Image Credits: Google Images
Sources: Mint, The Economic Times, The Indian Express
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This post is tagged under: formula one, F1, Ferrari, Mercedes AMG, IOC, Shell, Grand Prix, FIA, Odisha, Pradip port, Pradip refinery, FIM, ARRC, STORM, road racing, E10 fuel, Petronas, XP95, XP100, IndianOil, petrol, diesel, luxury cars, bikes, Make in India
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