With almost 600 Rally2 specification cars sold, the Škoda Fabia is one of the most widely used rally specials in the world. This is one of the reasons why Škoda Motorsport places great emphasis on sustainability. At the same time, rallying is becoming increasingly sustainable thanks to the activities of the FIA and the WRC championship promoter themselves.
The emphasis on environmental protection of rally competitions has been increasing without it affecting the use of technology, the speed of the competition cars or the enthusiasm that the competitions arouse among the audience and all participants. "Sustainable solutions are extremely important to us at Škoda Motorsport, as well as WRC Promoter, which organises the competitions. From our point of view, this is crucial for the future of the sport," says Lukáš Paták, Coordinator of the Škoda Motorsport commercial program.
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In 2022, the FIA World Rally Championship became the first world championship to introduce 100% fossil-free fuels. As a result, in the 2023 season alone, the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 rally specials saved about 160 tonnes of CO2 in the WRC2 category.
Steps to protect the environment are also being taken by the promoter of the championship, WRC Promoter GmbH. For example, in recent years, it has significantly reduced the amount of material and people needed to prepare television broadcasts from competitions. The company is also committed to protecting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. "We are taking various measures to protect the places we visit, thanks to efforts in the areas of logistics, waste management or the operation of service zones," says Santiago Peña Gómez, former Sustainability Manager at WRC Promoter GmbH.
Škoda Motorsport is also setting an example in the field of sustainability. In addition to using fossil-free fuel, the sports department of the Mladá Boleslav-based carmaker is also testing, for example, sustainable lubricants for both the engine and the gearbox or shock absorber fillings. Škoda is also testing PVC-free decals for its racing cars. And last but not least is also testing bio composite materials that could replace, for example, traditional lightweight carbon fibre elements.
The new materials use, for example, flax fibres and Škoda Motorsport presented them at the Nordic Sustainable Mobility Forum 2024 in August this year. The experimental special was made of bio composite materials containing flax, for example, the rear bumper, rear-view mirror covers, as well as floor panels and footrests for the driver and passenger.
"We have to look to the future with innovative ideas and good cooperation with our suppliers. We are moving forward along the entire sustainable chain for which we are responsible," says Dr. Johannes Neft, Škoda Auto Board Member for Technical Development.
Sustainable fuel is therefore only the beginning of efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of rallying. And Škoda is leading the way.
