MotoGP World Championship to phase out fossil fuels by 2027

The MotoGP World Championship has confirmed it will phase out the use of fossil fuel in all grand prix classes by 2027.

The first step will see the current petrol replaced by fuel with a minimum of 40% non-fossil origin ('biofuel' or 'eFuel') in 2024. That will then increase to 100% by 2027.

The premier-class will continue to allow open fuel competition, meaning a range of different types of sustainable fuel are expected to be developed by the various brands, working in partnership with their manufacturer.

'These fuels of the future will be able to be used in a standard internal combustion engine and will either be laboratory-created, using components sourced from a carbon capture scheme, or derived from municipal waste or non-food biomass, thereby achieving significant savings in greenhouse gas emissions relative to fossil-derived petrol,' explained a MotoGP statement announcing the move.

'In addition, fuel suppliers will progressively introduce the use of renewable energy in the production of their fuel'.

Moto2 and Moto3 will continue to use a single fuel supplier but also introduce a part-sustainable fuel in 2024, then fully sustainable fuel in 2027.

"I’m really proud of this announcement, after many months and even years of negotiations with petrol companies and manufacturers, we’ve reached an agreement. This will allow MotoGP to be the leader in this real revolution for sustainability," said FIM President Jorge Viegas.

"We want to really show the way to all the motorcycle manufacturers that it’s possible to have the fun we all like but with sustainable fuels. We hope by 2027 to have completely carbon free fuels in our competitions, leading the way and showing that, even if the racing is a small part of emissions, we must be the leaders of this change; show the way. Thank you to all the stakeholders for the negotiations, finally now we can announce the good news."

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports added: "Motorcycles are a vital asset to society, making two-wheeled vehicles a crucial part of the solution. Sustainable fuels are key to creating an attainable and viable path to a more eco-friendly world, impacting billions of people, and with a number of different fuel manufacturers committed to this endeavour, global impact is guaranteed. Thanks to all parties involved in making this possible."