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18^th July 2008 (Source: M-Sport )

The success of the E85 bioethanol Ford Fiesta ST GpN rally car that is currently being pioneered in the VK Fiesta SportingTrophy UK (VK FST UK) by M-Sport has attracted support as a development project from Energy Efficient Motorsport (EEMS).

EEMS is an industry initiative whose vision is to work with the UK motorsport industry to put energy efficiency at the heart of modern motorsport. By stimulating the use of more sustainable technologies and fuels, EEMS aims to ensure that the automotive and motorsport industriesbenefit from the new opportunities that arise in the development of energy efficient competition now and in the future. EEMS is backed by the Government through Motorsport Development UK, a public private partnership supported by four regional development agencies and the DTI.

Environmental pressures are reshaping the automotive industry and Ford is a market pioneer in this shift. Together Ford and M-Sport have developed a 'green' strategy to lead the way to a more sustainable future by showcasing CO2 efficient rallying. In order to contribute towards reducing motorsport's environmental impact, the development of bioethanol E85 fuel is seen as an ideal platform from which to raise public awareness of the benefits of biofuels.

Since 2006, the concept of the Fiesta SportingTrophy has been developed around the world and there are currently more than ten countries operating national FST championships, with over 250 Ford Fiesta STs competing in 27countries around the world. The GpN Fiesta ST is converted from the standard 2-litre ST road car. With the close relationship between the rally and road-going versions, M-Sport has taken the opportunity to develop real solutions to improve the environmental efficiency of motorsport and help promote sustainable alternatives to pure fossil fuel.

Bioethanol is an alcohol fuel that can be manufactured from a wide variety of agricultural produce, including wood waste, sugar cane, sugar beet or grain. The fuel blend 'E85' defines the mix as 85% bio ethanol and 15% petrol. Using such a high blend of bioethanol in specifically designed engine technology means that the crucial 'well-to-wheel' CO2 emissions can be reduced significantly. As the plant crops grow, they absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, which partly offsets the CO2 emissions produced during the burning of the bioethanol fuel in the car's engine. The VK FST UK championship demonstrates that energy efficiency and green technology are compatible with exciting motorsport, and that in fact the UK motorsport industry stands to benefit considerably by adopting EEMS concepts and taking a leading global role.

The E85 fuel used in the VK FST UK series is supplied by Greenergy, a significant producer and supplier of biofuel into the UK transport fuels market, supplying more than half of the UK biofuel market. The ethanol used by Greenergy is sourced from Brazilian sugar cane. When produced from sustainable sources, CO2 savings from bioethanol made from sugar cane in Brazil can be 80% compared with savings from bioethanol made from wheat in the UK of only 10% and sugar beet of 41%.

This is due to the fact that sugar cane production requires relatively low levels of fertiliser and cane is harvested efficiently in large plantations. Brazilian production facilities also often burn the stalks of the sugar cane to generate the electricity to run the bioethanol production plant. In some cases, more excess electricity may be generated in this way than is required to run the bioethanol plant, so that electricity is fed back into the grid.

EEMS Programme Director Alan Mercer said: "We are delighted to support the moves made by this highly-visible championship towards greater energy efficiency, with the introduction of sustainable biofuel for all competitors. UK championships are showing the way for the sport's future and for other industries keen to adopt energy efficiency."

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