Being a pioneer involves paving the way for those who come after, and in the case of the Astara Team, the most important aspect is to leave no environmental footprint. The most sustainable team in the Dakar Rally is gearing up for its third participation in one of the world's toughest motor racing competitions in Saudi Arabia in January. Their goal is to further reduce CO2 emissions and win the T1.2 Ultimate category (two-wheel drive). The Astara Team stands out in the use of synthetic fuel in motor racing competitions, thanks to its experience and commitment over the last three years. But how did it all start? In 2021, Astara, a leading mobility services company, challenged the Astara Team members with an unprecedented task: to compete at the highest level with sustainability as an essential requirement.
"The challenge of being the first was undoubtedly an added motivation. In each edition, we have been adapting the best available sustainability solutions to the challenging test of Dakar, and each year, despite the difficulties, we have become even more competitive," says Astara Team Director Óscar Fuertes.
In the Dakar Rally 2021-2022, the team used a synthetic fuel formulation in its competition vehicles, sourced 70% from renewable energy, reducing CO2 emissions by the same percentage. The following year, in the 2022-2023 edition, the Astara Team improved the formulation to 90%. In the upcoming edition, for the first time, the Astara 02 Concept vehicles – an evolution of the competition vehicle from previous editions – will use a formulation with a completely carbon-neutral footprint.