Virent Partners With Scuderia Ferrari and Shell for Biogasoline Used in Formula One

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Ferrari fans have reason to celebrate. In the recent weekend’s 2010 Korean Grand Prix, the team won #1 and #3 spots, with Fernando Alonso taking the checkered flag after 55 laps. The green movement also celebrates a victory, as Ferrari’s Shell fuels during the race included a biofuel component from Virent.

Prior to the race, Virent shared information on its partnership with Scuderia Ferrari in developing biogasoline components for the Formula One team. The biofuel, developed by Virent in its Madison, Wisconsin facility, is directly derived from plant sugars.

The process involves using a catalyst to directly convert the plant sugars into gasoline and gasoline blend components, which are much like petrol used by everyday cars and racecars. The fuel is said to readily blend with conventional gasoline, which makes it easier to market without additional infrastructure or vehicle modification.

Shell has been working closely with Virent, testing its biofuel mix, in line with current (and ever-changing) FIA regulations.

Image source: flickr