FROM BIOFUELS TO HYDROGEN: GOODYEAR FIA ETRC IS DRIVING THE FUTURE OF MOTORSPORT
The Goodyear FIA European Truck Racing Championship (ETRC) is accelerating its mission to lead sustainable motorsport with a focus on hydrogen as a key energy source for the future. By fostering innovation and collaboration, the Championship is actively exploring hydrogen as a viable energy source for commercial vehicles and motorsport applications.
With a bold commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2038, the ETRC has taken significant steps to integrate cleaner energy solutions into motorsport, positioning itself as a leading platform for sustainable technologies.
Hydrogen: fuelling the future of motorsport
Hydrogen is emerging as an important energy source for commercial vehicles, and the Goodyear FIA ETRC is at the forefront of exploring its potential. In 2023, an official FIA hydrogen working group was established, with the ETRC playing a key role in advancing discussions and practical applications of hydrogen in motorsport. Last year’s hydrogen workshop brought together 46 industry leaders to explore the possibilities of this energy source. The conversation continued at the Int. ADAC Truck Grand Prix and the IAA Transportation Fair, where experts from the FIA, ADAC and the ETRC discussed the future of sustainable mobility in truck racing.
"Our goal is to establish the Goodyear FIA ETRC as a leading platform for sustainable technologies in the commercial vehicle sector," said Georg Fuchs, Managing Director of ETRA. "Hydrogen holds immense potential and through collaboration, we aim to develop innovative vehicle concepts that will benefit both motorsport and road transportation."
There is great interest in an interdisciplinary exchange – especially as the FIA leads the working group and brings valuable expertise from different motorsport disciplines. The FIA is focusing its development efforts on hydrogen stored in liquid form.
The development of hydrogen-powered race trucks promises to be an exciting new motorsport experience for fans and spectators alike. The next meeting of the FIA hydrogen working group will focus on topics like performance, safety, road relevance and cost efficiency.
Sustainable solutions on the truck racing grid
While hydrogen remains a future focus, the Goodyear FIA ETRC has been dedicated to transforming truck racing through the use of innovative and sustainable technologies. It was the first ever motorsport series to switch all race trucks to a 100% sustainable HVO diesel, which reduces CO2 emissions by up to 90%. The championship’s pace truck also runs on Bio-LNG, another eco-friendly alternative.
These technologies have proven effective in meeting the high demands of motorsport, demonstrating that sustainability and performance can go hand in hand. The next major milestone will be the introduction of an all-electric pace truck, reinforcing the ETRC’s leadership in sustainable mobility.
Industry collaboration driving change
The championship’s progress is driven by close collaboration with truck manufacturers, suppliers and energy sector leaders. Through initiatives like the Hydrogen Working Group and forums at major industry events like the IAA last September, the ETRC is bringing stakeholders together to advance sustainable mobility in motorsport and beyond.
By bridging the gap between road and race vehicles, the Goodyear FIA ETRC is paving the way for a new era of sustainable truck racing, proving that motorsport can be a powerful driver of innovation and environmental progress.