› Škoda Auto presented new sustainable materials in rallying, including flax fibre
› New technologies could be implemented in future Škoda road cars to further reduce the carbon footprint
› “Spark the future” themed event hosted experts and major stakeholders discussing an environmentally friendly future of rallying
Mladá Boleslav, 23 August 2024 – New approaches of sustainable rallying: Škoda Motorsport presented new materials used in the Fabia RS Rally2 at the "Nordic Sustainable Mobility Forum 2024". A development version of the rally car demonstrated how Škoda Motorsport researches components made of sustainable materials. New sustainable materials such as flax fibre could be implemented in future road cars to further reduce the carbon footprint. Johannes Neft, Board Member for Technical Development at Škoda Auto, highlighted the brand's approach to testing sustainable materials in rallying as one of the keynote speakers.
Škoda Motorsport is working on new solutions for the use of biocomposites, also testing the possible replacement of all oil-based fluids with sustainable lubricants. An exhibition at the “Nordic Sustainable Mobility Forum 2024” showed environmentally friendly replacement solutions for oils used in engines, gearboxes and dampers not only in competition cars but also in road cars. Today, each Fabia Rally2 in the WRC already runs on 100% fossil-free fuel.
A Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 featuring prototype components made from biocomposite materials was also presented. Parts such as the rear bumper and mirror housings made from flax fibre could reduce the carbon footprint of rally cars in general. The Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 on display also featured interior parts normally made from carbon fibre, which were replaced by sustainable materials. Škoda Motorsport used them for the floor panels and footrests on the driver's and co-driver's side.
Today, the livery of rally cars is achieved by wrapping rather than painting. As teams often change their livery from event to event, films made from sustainable materials can make this process more environmentally friendly. With the new eco-foil, Škoda used a sustainable alternative to wrap its presented Fabia RS Rally2.
The “Nordic Sustainable Mobility Forum 2024” was hosted by the Finnish university city of Jyväskylä and brought together experts and major stakeholders of the championship to discuss ways towards an environmentally friendly future for rallying.
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