Environmentalism in motorsport

The issue of environmentalism in motorsport surrounds the whole of auto racing to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions contributing to global warming.

[1] In the United Kingdom, British Touring Car Championship team West Surrey Racing (WSR) ran Rob Collard and Colin Turkington in Ethanol fueled MG ZSs.

The series sees drivers race the all electric SUV Spark Odyssey 21 in remote locations specifically chosen to highlight climate change, while adopting legacy projects that provide environmental and social support.

[4] To reduce the carbon emissions associated with air freight, the RMS St Helena was purchased and refitted, enabling her to transport all equipment and cars to each location.

[5] Formula One's governing body, the FIA, took until May 2007 to act upon the issue of environmental effects the sport was responsible for by holding a discussion in Monaco during the Grand Prix.

The car mostly received a cynical reception, Red Bull Racing's Mark Webber observed that "it's good Honda is going green - but there are still 35 private jets parked 20 Kilometres down the road.

As well as WSR's efforts, Paul O'Neill also entered a privateer entry in the BTCC, racing a bioethanol-powered Vauxhall Astra at the Brands Hatch meeting of the 2006 season.