Clarifications on Refuelling at Stage Rallies

During a recent meeting, the Rallies and Safety Commissions, alongside the President and Vice-President of Motorsport Ireland, addressed crucial concerns following last week's announcement regarding fuel usage at stage rallies.

*Key Clarifications:*

The fuel tender was introduced as a way to ensure adherence to insurance commitments.

Motorsport Ireland’s aim is to protect the future of stage rallying on the island and as such, means taking decisions that will not always be favourable. However, Motorsport Ireland also has a duty to the competitor.

We have listened to the various opinions and have worked diligently to find a solution.

The measures below will be implemented to ensure the safety and compliance of all participants during Motorsport Ireland stage rallies. The three options will be closely monitored from both usage and compliance perspectives, allowing competitors the opportunity to utilize any surplus fuel they may have. The first option will conclude on July 31st, 2025. Should serious non-compliance be observed prior to that date, any of the proposed options may be promptly revoked.

1. *Self-Refuelling in the Refuel Area*

Competitors are permitted to self-refuel in the designated refuel area using fuels that conform to FIA Appendix J, Art. 252, Article 9, which specifies a maximum of 102 octane petrol. Those refuelling must adhere to all rules, including the mandatory wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE).

2. *Refuelling at a Commercial Filling Station*

Competitors may use 95 octane pump fuel available at commercial filling stations located along the rally route. However, outside of this provision, all refuelling throughout the event must occur solely in the designated refuel area.

 3. *Refuelling at the Refuel Rig in the Refuel Area*

The Euro M-Sport rig will be stationed in the designated refuel area for competitors who wish to take advantage of their services.

There is a strict ban on the storage or use of competition car fuel within the service area. This ban will be rigorously monitored, allowing only one 20-litre container of fuel for generator or compressor usage per service wagon. No other fuel containers, whether full, half-full, or empty, are permitted. Using fuel containers to secure awnings will not be accepted as a valid defence.

Euro M-Sport remains the only fuel supplier recognised by Motorsport Ireland. 

These measures are crucial to ensuring a safe and compliant environment for all competitors while maintaining the integrity of stage rallying in Ireland.

Clarification documentation for clubs and competitors will be published in the coming days.