Car Specifications - Fuel

Fuel is the most important ingredient, which makes a car rolling on its wheels. The fact is that the fuel needed by a Formula One car is in much way has the same composition as that of an ordinary petrol.

Initially the cars used a combination of various additives and chemicals like benzene, alcohol and aviation fuel. This combination becomes so much powerful that at the end of the race the engine needs to be cleaned properly to avoid damage. As days went by considerable changes have been made in the composition of fuel. This effort have been taken by the oil companies to draw a broad outline between car fuel and ordinary fuel. The modern fuel is needed in small amount. The fuel mixture must be presented to the sport's regulating body (FIA) for approval of its composition. It is then tested with the actual fuel being issued by FIA's laboratory.

The team can consume up to 200,000 liters of fuel during racing and testing. Different mixtures of fuel can be used in accordance with the track and the requirement of the vehicle. The fuels are used in such way so that it can be used in an optimum way. Through various processes like computer modeling, static engine running and moving tests the fuel companies are trying hard to optimize its use. The engine oil is another integral part of the fuel structure. The engine oil is being checked at regular intervals for the proper maintenance of the engine.