IndianOil is getting serious about supporting motorsport with the launch of the Storm-X racing fuel

IndianOil has launched its new Storm-X racing fuel in India, which will be used in two wheel and four wheel national racing championships. They launched the fuel at the Madras Motor Sports Club (MMSC) during the MRF MMSC FMSCI Indian National Racing Championship (INRC) held at the Madras International Circuit from July 19 to 21. With the launch of this fuel, it marks the first time that an Indian company has made race fuel and is investing heavily in the fuel and has big plans to go international.

What is the Indian Oil Storm-X fuel?

Storm-X is a new fuel developed by Indian Oil especially for racing applications that meets FIA and FIM specifications. The fuel has a better RON ~98 than usual fuel for the high demands of motorsport engines, allowing the teams to run higher compression and more aggressive ignition timing without risking engine knocking. 

In line with the growing emphasis on sustainability within motorsports, Storm-X incorporates sustainable fuel components to reduce the sport's carbon footprint. The fuel aligns with F1’s regulations of using 10 per cent sustainable fuel. 

What does this mean for Indian motorsport?

The Indian national racing championships for both two wheelers and four-wheelers will have access to Indian Oil’s Storm-X fuel. The fuel was introduced at the last round of the 4W national racing championship, and was available to the teams as a recommended fuel. From the next round onwards, the fuel will be standard and all the teams will be running it throughout the race weekend. Going ahead, all 2W racing in the MRF national championship will also pivot to using this fuel. 

In addition to this, OICL has signed a long term deal with the MMSC – Madras Motor Sports Club – and will be providing lubes, trackside branding and vehicle branding for the races held under their umbrella. IOCL will be sponsoring two rounds for the 4W national championship and four rounds of the 2W national championship as part of this deal. 

But it doesn’t stop there!

Indian Oil has serious aspirations to hit the international stage with its fuels, since these fuels are already approved for use by the FIA and FIM. This is the first time an Indian oil company has stepped up to the motorsport with such serious commitment, and bodes well for the sport in India. A logical next step for Indian Oil would be to pick up and nurture Indian talent, supporting them through the ranks and allowing them to reach the global stage – much like other oil giants do in other countries. Think Petronas or Respol. 

Having already partnered to bring MotoGP to India last year, it can now supply fuel to the teams and even blend its fuel according to its requirements. Supplying fuel to F1 might also be on the cards since this fuel is fit for that purpose, and who knows, they may even be able to sway the forces that be to bring the spectacle of Formula 1 back to the Buddh International circuit. Their aspirations to reach the top level of international motorsport are serious, and not just lip service. 

V Satish Kumar, Director of Marketing at Indian Oil said in an exclusive interview to evo India, “The nature of adventure sport has really not taken off in our country so far today. But there is a lot of interest coming up from the younger generation, and it is time for us to enter into this segment also and rule the world. As an energy company of the country, we feel that we should be every part of fuel segments and we should really fuel their aspirations. So this is the reason why we are coming in to these niche segments making an Atmanirbhar Bharat statement that we can make fuels not only for India but the world… We have made a beginning. And whatever certification we have, this particular fuel is fit enough for Formula 1. So we have now made a start, and our ultimate road map is there. And we will be there very soon.”

The IndianOil Storm-X race fuel is just the start. With Indian Oil set to become a mainstay in the Indian motorsport scene, it is only a matter of time before it spreads its wings and elevates itself on the global motorsport stage. It certainly is an exciting time to be an Indian motorsport enthusiast!