GT300 Introduction Of Carbon Neutral Fuel Delayed To 2024

Author’s note: With the rush of activity that went into this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, there was simply little time or energy available to cover this story from SUPER GT as it developed. Apologies for the delay. -RJ

The GT Association (GTA) has announced that the Autobacs SUPER GT Series’ GT300 class will not adopt the use of carbon-neutral fuel (CNF) in 2023, and instead, its introduction to the GT300 class will be delayed until 2024.

Following several compatibility tests including a recent GT Entrant Association test at Suzuka Circuit on 8-9 May, the decision was made on 30 May to postpone the introduction of CNF to the GT300 class until next season. The new carbon-neutral synthetic racing fuel from ETS Racing Fuels was meant to be introduced into both classes from 2023, and has already been in use in the GT500 class.

But the rollout into GT300 was pushed back after pre-season testing, with a new target set for the 4 June race at Suzuka. This target was also not met after troubles kept cropping up in the GT Entrants’ test, as GTA Chairman, Masaaki Bandoh, explained in a press conference before the Suzuka 450km.

“With the temperature being quite low at the season opener and the second round, we observed a tendency of CNF getting mixed with engine oil if it was used for racing engines because the volatility of CNF is lower than the high-octane gasoline,” said Chairman Bandoh. “This was already pointed out widely as a characteristic of CNF, but we haven’t seen any troubles in the GT500 class so far because the manufacturers had implemented their solutions.

“However, with the vast variety of cars made by different automakers, it is difficult to do the same in the GT300 class. We sent CNF to the manufacturers of GT3 cars in Europe and had them test it, but although there was no issue on the bench, some problem was found around volatility and dilution in turbo and direct-injection engine when it was tested on the actual cars. That would require modifications in the oil catch can, blow-by, et cetera. And since there are many customer teams in GT300, we cannot increase the burden on each team.”

“However, we are all on the same page on the use of CNF, so we will proceed in that direction. On the other hand, there are actually requests for a little more improvement, so we will keep on going with as is in the GT500 and put the plan for GT300 on hold and try to create something that can be used from next season.”

Chairman Bandoh concluded his remarks on the subject by confirming the creation of a working committee, made up of specialists from domestic automakers and representatives of the GT Entrant Association. These representatives will interact closely with stakeholders from the foreign GT3 manufacturers, as well as those of ETS Racing Fuels’ parent company, Haltermann Carless, to work towards a solution.

For now, the GT300 class will continue to use commercially-available gasoline supplied at each circuit.

Images © GTA