Kartworld in bio-ethanol switch.

Kartworld Racing are to become the second team in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship to run a car powered by bio-ethanol fuel from the sixth round of the season at Donington Park this weekend.

Jason Hughes will run his MG ZS on the same mix of fuel as Thurlby Motors with Tech-Speed driver Fiona Leggate, who has run her Vauxhall Astra Coupe on the alternative fuel since joining the BTCC last year.

"The environmental benefits are obvious and it struck me that bio-ethanol could also give us better engine responsiveness," Hughes said. "It's not rocket science - just take a look at Fiona's car through the speed traps. It's always up there. I was also racing with her at Thruxton and couldn't keep with her down the straights.

"Our engine builder Judd completed the conversion within a day - all it required was a different set of fuel injectors and a bit of engine re-mapping and now we're all ready to go. Another plus side is that bio-ethanol is quite a bit cheaper than petrol."

With bio-ethanol being something of a hot topic in the BTCC at the moment - amid rumours of a new entrant running on the fuel next season - series director Alan Gow said he felt Hughes' decision to change to the alternative fuel could be an important marker for other teams contemplating the switch.

"The use of environmentally friendly fuels and increasing energy efficiency is a global topic for motor sport right now," he said. "I am very proud that the BTCC is continuing to lead with its policy on fuels and I am sure that many teams will be following Jason's progress with great interest this weekend.

"Fiona has always used bio-ethanol, whereas Jason is actually making the switch so his results will perhaps have a greater bearing in terms of being able to monitor any performance gains."