Synthetic Fuels to the fore in Mille Miglia

In a historic milestone for the automotive industry and the world of historic car enthusiasts, a Mercedes-Benz SSK, three Mercedes-Benz SL300 Gullwings, an Alfa Romeo 6C Gasogene and a pre-war 4.5-litre Bentley successfully completed the renowned Mille Miglia on 100% synthetic, carbon-neutral fuel supplied by P1 Fuels, without any modifications.

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This groundbreaking achievement marks the first time in history that cars have participated in the Mille Miglia using sustainable fuel, demonstrating the immense potential of synthetic fuels for everyday mobility.

Showcasing its trailblazing spirit during the five-day rally, this year Mercedes-Benz Classic made history as it became the first OEM to use sustainable fuels for a classic endurance rally of this type. Crossing the finishing line at this year’s 1000 Miglia, the crew powered three 300 SL Gullwings and a pre-war SSK; all running on the drop-in synthetic fuel from P1 Fuels.

Meanwhile, Vintage Bentley made history again, preparing and running the 4.5-litre Bentley of Katarina Kyvalova, becoming not only the first pre-war Bentley to finish the 1000 Miglia on synthetic fuels, but also the first woman to do so. Equipped with P1 Fuels, Vintage Bentley has showcased a plethora of use cases at events, including at this year’s Goodwood Members’ Meeting and will see it complete the Le Mans Classic later this month on the fuel.

The participation of the Alfa Romeo 6C Gasogene serviced by Historic Competition Services, fuelled by P1 Fuels’ 100% fossil-free fuel, holds immense significance on multiple levels. It not only showcases the enduring legacy of the Gasogene model but also represents a powerful statement about the intersection of automotive history, environmental consciousness, and sustainable technology.

The Gasogene variant of the Alfa Romeo 6C, which participated in the Mille Miglia back in 1933, was known for its adaptability and ability to run on solid fuels like charcoal. This innovative approach to fuelling was ahead of its time, providing an alternative to traditional gasoline. The Gasogene technology reflected an era when the availability and quality of fuel varied significantly, and manufacturers sought solutions to ensure reliable and efficient performance.

Fast forward to 2023, and the Alfa Romeo 6C Gasogene returns to the Mille Miglia, but this time powered by P1 Fuels’ 100% fossil-free fuel. This development represents a remarkable evolution, bridging the historical significance of the Gasogene model with the modern-day imperative of sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.

Founded in 1927 as an open-road, motorsport endurance race, today the Mille Miglia is a 1,000-mile endurance rally, built to test both car, driver and navigator through the toughest roads and climates Italy has to offer. Beginning in Brescia, touring Rome before heading back, each car has to complete certain tests throughout the event. This year’s 1000 Miglia started on Tuesday 13 and finished on Sunday 18 June and saw 420 cars participating.

P1 Fuels’ commitment to facilitating a seamless refuelling process was driven by its vision of accelerating the adoption of sustainable energy solutions in the automotive industry. By providing reliable access to carbon-neutral fuel and ensuring a hassle-free refuelling experience, P1 Fuels showcased the potential of synthetic fuels as a viable and convenient alternative to fossil-based energy sources. P1 Fuels' “ECO100PRO”, the fuel used in the Mille Miglia, is a 100% non-fossil fuel that meets the EN228 Norm, making it a direct drop-in replacement for fossil fuel.

Martin Popilka, CEO at P1 Fuels, commented on the event and said, “What a race. If we have shown anything then it’s a statement on the ease of using synthetic fuels – from modern racers to timeless pre-war cars – if they can do it, so can any other [internal] combustion engine car.

“Partnering with Mercedes-Benz Classic, an OEM with such great heritage in engineering and protecting cars to power them in the future, when the cars crossed the finish line, I had such a great sense of pride and honour that they [Mercedes-Benz Classic] trusted us to deliver for them on such an important endurance race. 

“As I stand here today, I feel like our participation in this year’s Mille Miglia has impacted the future of endurance races and would be pushing what P1 [Fuels] has been dedicated to change for the better; a cleaner and more sustainable option for these historic events, without sacrificing motoring heritage.”

The next event that P1 Fuels will take part in will be the UK-based Goodwood Festival of Speed (13 to 16 July), where ex-Formula One driver and four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel will drive ex-Nigel Mansell 1992 Williams FW14B and ex-Ayrton Senna 1993 McLaren MP4/8 up the Goodwood Hill. Both cars are from his private collection and will run on P1 Fuels’ fossil-free fuel without any mechanical modification.