Elf racing fuels: Answers to the big questions
05 December 2006
What advantage does Elf racing fuels have in a competitive market place?
It is highly likely that racing fuels imported from Europe or the USA and produced by major oil companies is produced in a similar manor to Elf racing fuel. The key difference with Elf racing fuel is the focus on producing the most competitive fuel within the limitations of the FIA (World Motorsport's governing body)
Elf’s fuel research and development within the FIA fuel regulations helps win major international contracts for fuel supply into Formula 1, World Rally, World superbikes, FIA GT Sportscar etc.
The supply contracts into the major FIA and FIM categories allow Elf to further develop their products with the confidence and support of the end users.
Are Elf racing fuels allowed to be used on Australian roads?
All fuel sold in Australia must be made known to the Australian Federal Government (Department of Heritage and Environment (DEH)) the specifications must be lodged, taxes and duties must be paid during the importation process. Elf racing fuel is of subject to this process.
Research the web at www.deh.gov.au and you will note that Elf racing fuels have applied for: a Variation of the Fuel Standard (Petrol) Determination 2001 to permit the supply of 10 specialist racing fuels. Variation of the Aromatics, Oxygen, DIPE, MTBE and Olefins parameters.
As the Elf racing fuels are unleaded and are known to the DEH, the fuel can be used.
How are Elf racing fuels considered CAMS approved?
Elf racing fuels are produced to FIA regulations, as per CAMS Schedule G regulations, unleaded petrol in compliance with FIA Article 252.9.1. (CAMS manual 6-15 item 4.2)
Myths surrounding “CAMS approved” and the definition of “Commercial fuel"
Other brands of racing fuel are imported from the USA and have made similar applications for variations to the Fuel Standard (Petrol) Determination. A majority of these fuels are not produced with the FIA limitations in mind.
It is important to note that this application to the DEH allows fuels to be stored, sold and used on Australian roads. This application has nothing to do with CAMS regulations and does not make any fuel “CAMS approved” or defined as “Commercial fuel”.
A CAMS approved fuel would need to be either an unleaded petrol in compliance with the FIA regulations or pump fuel produced by an oil company for sale to the Australian Domestic market.
The FIA specifications:
Full specifications at: www.fia.com
Unleaded: 102.0 RON and 90.0 MON maximum, 95.0 RON and 85.0 MON minimum.
A maximum of 2.8 % oxygen (or 3.7 % if the lead content is less than 0.013 g/l)
What’s in Elf racing fuel that is not in pump fuel?
To begin the crude oil and base petrol available in Europe and the USA is of far higher quality than what is available in Australia.
The best quality base petrol is made available to the refining team at Elf in France, then during the refining process which takes up to three times longer than producing pump fuel, Aromatics, Oxygen, DIPE, MTBE and Olefins are blended when the racing fuel is produced.
These components are no secret, a majority of the marketing material for Elf racing fuels discloses this information.
Aromatics
Aromatics are fuel molecules that contain at least one beneze ring; common Aromatics include benzene, toluene and xylene.
The FIA sets very strict limits on benzene and aromatic content, Elf racing fuels are produced to the latest FIA and environmental standards. The European regulations for fuels are far more stringent than in Australia.
Fuel with Aromatic content can increase engine deposits and increase tail pipe including toxic benzene emissions.
Research has found benzene to be a carcinogen (cancer causing) therefore the FIA and the Australian Government alike are pushing for a reduction of the use of benzene as an additive in racing fuel.
MTBE and DIPE
Elf racing fuels do use MTBE and DIPE to increase octane and oxygen during the refining process.
Olefins
Olefins in the atmosphere contribute to the ground level ozone formation (smog). While obviously a reduction in smog should be paramount for all corporations, a 2005 government research paper into the racing fuel industry and its impact on the environment found that both leaded and unleaded racing fuel account for 0.3% of the total petrol consumed within Australia annually.
As per MTBE and DIPE the FIA are strict in regards to the content levels of Olefins in racing fuels.
Facts regarding MTBE and DIPE:
MTBE mixes readily with water and would contaminate if MTBE was to enter groundwater or drinking water.
It is true that there are bans on MTBE and serious restrictions on the storage of this dangerous chemical due to the danger of pure MTBE leaking during storage.
When MTBE and or DIPE are blended in formulation with Hydrogen (to produce petrol) these components can not mix with water easily.
As Elf racing fuels are not produced in Australia, there is no storage of any volumes of MTBE or DIPE.
Government research has also concluded that restrictions on MTBE will leave refiners with no choice but to increase the volumes of aromatics such as sulphur and benzene which are considered far worse for their negative health impact.
Australian Made “Racing” Fuels
There are currently companies who claim to be producing Australian made racing fuel. These companies are not recognised Oil companies, nor are they recognised multi national oil companies with contracted Australian distributors.
Concerns need to be raised as to the level of infrastructure and resources these companies have available to them to produce a fuel which needs to be of extremely high quality and consistency. The fuels are being marketed to the customer as a racing fuel without the commitment to comprehensive research and development.
Often claims are made that the Australian made racing fuels are produced within the FIA limitations but with out the use of lead, phosphorus MTBE or DIPE.
Reseach (www.deh.com.au) suggests the application of Aromatics and Oxygen.
The only scientific solution to produce a fuel to FIA standards (eg. fuel with RON of 102 and oxygen of above 2.5%) would be through excess use of aromatics, more than likely to be benzene.
The leading racing fuel manufactures in both Europe and the USA steer away from excess benzene in their racing fuel production for environmental, health and of course performance reasons.
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Sources of information for this article:
The department of heritage and environment www.deh.com.au
- Fuel regulations in Australia
- Consultancy Project: Use of Leaded Petrol and Specialist Petroleum-Based Unleaded Racing Fuel in Motor and Water Sports
- Regulation Impact Statement for the Fuel Standard (Petrol) Determination 2001 and the Fuel Standard (Diesel) Determination 2001
Federation Internationale de L’Automobile www.fia.com.au
Elf Racing Fuels International www.elfracing.com
CAMS 2006 Manual of Motorsport
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