‘Chocolate orange' took on a whole new meaning this month with the launch of an F1 car of the future made from carrots and using chocolate fuel!
The 233 kph (145 mph) WorldFirst ecoF3, as reported on the Motor Authority website, is a vegetarian's delight. The F3 chassis has a streamlined body sourced from potatoes, a seat from soya beans and the steering wheel derived from carrots.
Although it's not yet passed FIA regulations to allow it to race in anger, the car, developed by the University of Warwick, uses Fuchs biofuel and lubricants including chocolate derivatives, and a Pace Products lubrication system. On reflection, maybe this item should have been included in our ‘Pick and Mix' Section!
Also on a green note, the famous Isle of Man TT motorcycle races will include the world's first zero-carbon eGP, the TTXGP. There are entries from around the world and the electric ‘bikes include a 240kph (150 mph) superbike from Mission Motors in the US. In all, 23 riders have registered for the race on 12 June this year, including seven-times TT winner and motorcycle legend Mick Grant and PlayStation2 ‘virtual' race champion Paul Owen.
In case you think the blurring of fantasy and reality only applies to motorcycles, Spaniard Lucas Ordoñez can prove otherwise. Having seen off 25,000 PS2 "Grand Tourismo" gamers to win the Nissan/Playstation GT Academy and a drive in the real Dubai 24hr race in January, Ordoñez is now set to compete in the GT4 European Championships having impressed Nissan's motorsport bosses.