Competing in the Dakar Rally 2024 without leaving a carbon footprint: the sustainability challenge of Astara Team
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.
Additionally, with the aim of further reducing the carbon footprint in the 2024 edition, the team will also use renewable-origin fuels in all its support vehicles. Laia Sanz, who, along with Uruguayan Patricia Pita, will lead the Astara Team, participates in four wheels for the third consecutive year with Maurizio Gerini as co-pilot. Laia Sanz combines determination, talent, and environmental consciousness.
"The evolution of the vehicle this year is a big step forward. It is 100% emissions-neutral, lighter, and has better performance. We are doing good work; the car gains performance while caring for the environment," says Sanz, a renowned off-road legend and the only Spaniard to complete all the Dakar editions she has participated in (13).
The main improvements from the Astara 01 Concept of the previous year and the 02 Concept competing in the 46th edition of the Dakar Rally improve the car's power, suspension, and aerodynamics. In terms of sustainability, this means the car has higher energy efficiency. "The Astara Team is a team with a different mindset from the rest, as we drive a very powerful car, but at the same time, we are concerned about the future we leave behind. It is an honor for me to be part of this team," says Pita, who joins the team this year along with Chilean co-pilot Paolo Boggioni.
Every step counts
To demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, the Astara Team minimizes its impact beyond the Astara 02 Concept vehicles. At the end of the competition, as in previous years, the team will measure, report, and offset its greenhouse gas emissions from all its operations and members, both direct and indirect.
To measure emissions, the team will use the GHG measurement protocol. In 2021, the Astara Team only measured scope 1 (direct emissions), but since last year, it also includes scope 2 and 3 (own indirect emissions and third-party indirect emissions).
Like in the previous edition, the process will be carried out transparently and certified by recognized independent organizations. A digital platform will be used to provide visibility and share emissions data for each stage and vehicle, something no other team offers. This year marks the 46th edition of the Dakar Rally and the fifth to be held in Saudi Arabia, taking place from January 5 to January 19, 2024. The route will traverse the northwest of the country, covering 5,000 kilometers with extensive stretches of dunes from Al-Ula to Yanbu, on the shores of the Red Sea.
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*About Synthetic Fuel
Synthetic fuel is entirely carbon-neutral; its environmental impact is zero. The CO2 emitted during combustion is the same as extracted from the air during the production process.
Moreover, it does not produce solid waste or microparticles. Its production is based on obtaining synthesis gas—using renewable energy—that undergoes successive chemical processes resulting in an ecological liquid hydrocarbon easy to use, store, and transport.
The energy efficiency of synthetic fuel is 12% higher than that of gasoline.