In this week's round-up of motorsport news and gossip, Rebellion Racing trump Toyota in WEC, Ingram claims history in Hungary, F1 vows to wash away its carbon footprint and gets a green light for its 2021 race in Miami.
We also name the week's rising star, and highlight some of the greatest machinery ever to enter a motor race.
Rebel, rebel
Rebellion Racing became the first privateer to win overall on the road in the World Endurance Championship after defeating the hybrid Toyotas at the Shanghai 4 Hours. The team, which won the Silverstone race in 2018 but only after the victorious Toyota was disqualified, took its chance in China after the factory TS050s were hobbled by a success handicap system that cost them nearly three seconds per lap.
Talking 'bout a revolution
Bosses of the German-based DTM touring car championship have revealed plans for a “revolutionary” new support series in 2022, featuring either battery-electric or hydrogen cars producing around 1000bhp. The series would feature 40-minute races including pit stops featuring “industrial robots”. The launch of the series depends on a number of factors including, unsurprisingly, a study into its technical feasibility.
Ingram triumphant
Skoda Fabia R5 driver Chris Ingram became the first Briton to win the European Rally Championship since 1967, after battling to a fourth-place finish on the season-ending Rally Hungary. Ingram’s title rival Alexey Lukyanuk suffered a puncture on the final stage and could only finish second behind Frigyes Turán.
F1 sets 'zero carbon' aim
Formula 1 has pledged to work towards a “net-zero carbon footprint” by 2030. The sustainability plan is aimed at covering all on-track activity and sporting operations, with an added promise to “ensure we move to ultra-efficient logistics and travel and 100% renewably powered offices, facilities and factories”. All events should be “sustainable” by 2025, meaning a ban on single-use plastics and a commitment to all waste being reused, recycled or composted.
Battle for Miami
F1 might still be going to Miami in 2021. Carlos Giménez, the mayor of Miami-Dade County, has blocked a resolution by county commissioners that would have prevented the use of public roads for the street race. The event is due to be held in the area surrounding Hard Rock Stadium, and organisers are now looking for a solution to ensure the race goes ahead.
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