Formula Ford Finland has been debating whether the trial made last year running the cars with ethanol should be continued this year.
The matter was discussed in the organization's annual meeting, and wide support was given for this. Experiences from the test race in Alastaro at the end of the 2008 season were very positive, with engines performing well and without any significant hickups. The final decision on whether ethanol will be used throughout the 2009 season will be made by 15.3.2009, and is mainly subject to demonstrating fuel will be available to all racers without limitations during the season. For racers participating in Rata-SM all required hardware and instructions for installation would be provided by Formula Ford Finland free of charge in the case a positive decision is made.A change to ethanol requires a new ECU, an extension to the loom, minor changes to the fuel system (pressure regulator), and a new extinguisher that can stop ethanol fueled fires. Ford Motor Company has been supporting Formula Ford Finland in devising the right hardware solutions for each area, and is interested in promoting its clean image also in the full Finnish Championship Racing series in 2009.
If the decision is made to proceed, it will be a positive move where Finnish auto racing jumps the sustainability bandwagon that is receiving strong support in both news and general debate.
