MSA Statement: Fuel octane limits
Following an intensive period of consultation, the Motor
Sports Association has concluded its review of the Fuel Regulations.
Under the direction of Colin Hilton, MSA Chief Executive,
the enquiry thoroughly researched the facts, interviewing
individuals and companies from many areas of the sport, including
competitors, engine preparation companies, World Rally teams
and fuel suppliers.
The report's findings were presented to and approved by the
MSA Executive Committee, after which the recommendations were
sent to members of the Motor Sports Council for consideration.
The Council has approved that a proposed change be put out
immediately for consultation, for ratification in September
2007.
Championships or events wishing to stipulate an alternative
fuel specification to the current MSA 100 Octane, are already
permitted to do so under existing rules (E12.13.3), although
this would always be subject to the MSA approval (B2.2).
The proposed change will simplify Regulation E12.13.3 by
adding a condition that all organisers must have the prior
written authority of the MSA before fuel other than pump fuel,
as defined in the Regulations, is used in events or championships.
The Council may agree exceptionally to implement this change
from 1 January 2008, despite the usual 12 month stability
regulation for all technical rule changes.
Championship and event organisers are reminded of their ability
to amend their Supplementary Regulations during the season,
subject to regulation B8.4 which requires the unanimous approval
of all competitors and also that of the MSA.
The MSA reserves the right, at its absolute discretion, to
carry out fuel testing at any time, as laid out in the General
Regulations. The MSA shall continue to exercise that discretion,
as it has always done.
Colin Hilton, MSA Chief Executive:
"The fuel testing programme has revealed that apparently
the 100 octane limit is being disregarded by a section of
the sport.
"It is in no-one's interest to see people driven from
the sport, but equally if people are deliberately transgressing
the rules to gain an unfair advantage, it will have the knock-on
effect of forcing other competitors to do the same. It is
absolutely vital for the future of the sport that we re-establish
the regulations on this issue and then enforce them correctly.
"This has been a very complex issue and it has become
extremely emotive at times. In examining the facts and consulting
throughout the sport, it became clear that it is very possible
to get a different answer to same question from a number of
experts.
"The regulations have always been in place to allow
a degree of flexibility for event and championship organisers.
Rather than adopting a dogmatic approach and legislating one
way or the other, we have proposed a tidying up of the existing
regulations to ensure that events and championships are able
to respond to the needs and wishes of their competitors."
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