Series to run on biofuel mix

The switch to a more environmentally friendly fuel is part of a new approach by the series, which is bidding to reduce its carbon footprint.

A1GP CEO Pete da Silva said: "The words motorsport and green are not always said in the same sentence. We have spent a good deal of time working to reduce our carbon footprint.

"No one can be excluded from the problems our planet is facing, and this is just the first step in a long journey."

Da Silva added that the decision to switch to a 30 per cent mix of biofuel was taken one year ago, and that moving to a higher mix would require significant changes to be made.

"The 30 per cent mix will reduce CO2 emissions by up to 21 per cent per car," he said. "A higher mix would mean shorter races, or extra refuelling equipment being required.

"If we had extra equipment we would then have the extra costs for the logistics of transporting them, and this would also have a bigger effect on the environment."

Da Silva also eluded to future plans for the series to potentially run on recycled tyres, and pointed out several smaller changes that A1GP will make, such as using scooters with carbon neutral engines at the circuits.

"We are determined to be an environmental leader," he said. "We want to be the pioneers, not the followers.

"No matter how efficient we are, we will still have a carbon footprint. We will use carbon offsetting, but only as a last resort."