Race fuel FAQ

Start with what your engine builder specifies and, if you race, the fuel rules for your championship and class. After that, it comes down to compression ratio, induction (naturally aspirated, turbo, supercharged or nitrous), the fuel system and whether there’s a catalytic converter. Our product pages list VP’s published specifications. If you’re unsure, email us the engine details, the fuel you run now and how you use it before you change.

RON and MON are octane ratings measured under different test conditions; for petrol, MON is the harsher test and the lower number. (R+M)/2, also called AKI, is the average of the two, and it’s the number on US pumps. European pumps show RON.

Compare like with like: 98 RON pump petrol is not the same as a 98 (R+M)/2 race fuel. T4+, for example, is 98.5 (R+M)/2 and 105 RON.

It means the fuel meets the FIA’s published fuel specification as stated in its documentation. Your championship or class can add its own requirements or nominate a specific fuel, so check the current regulations as well.

No. Lead damages catalytic converters and oxygen sensors. Use an unleaded fuel whose documentation covers your application, and remember that “unleaded” on its own doesn’t make a fuel right for every engine or fuel system.

They’re made for different engines and lubrication systems, and they aren’t interchangeable. For a two-stroke, check the oil content and mix ratio against the engine maker’s requirements. VP Alkylate 2T, for example, comes pre-mixed at 50:1 with synthetic ester oil.

Match the fuel to the engine’s compression ratio and to your series’ rules, not to the biggest number on the drum. Engines designed around leaded fuel often run C12 (112 (R+M)/2, compression up to 15:1) or VP 110 for more modest compression. Historic classes that require unleaded need an unleaded race fuel, and some series cap octane, so check your regulations first.

It depends on the blend, the container and how it has been stored. A sealed original drum keeps far longer than fuel that has been opened, decanted or left in a tank. If the label or data sheet doesn’t give a period for your situation, send us the product name, batch and storage history and we’ll get product-specific guidance from VP.

In its original, tightly closed and labelled container, out of direct sun and heat, in a ventilated place away from ignition sources that meets the local rules for storing flammable liquids. A spare room or a covered corner outside isn’t automatically suitable.

You can’t reliably tell by look or smell. Check the batch, its age and how it has been stored. If you’re in doubt, keep it out of the engine and ask us; don’t test doubtful fuel by running it, and don’t sniff the vapour.

Use a container that’s approved for fuel and suitable for how you’ll transport it, and check the markings on the container. Keep every jug labelled with the blend and date. See our jugs and equipment.

Across Europe, to EU and non-EU countries. Race fuel ships as dangerous goods, so the delivery charge depends on the product, pack size, quantity and destination, and is shown at checkout. Drums of 53 and 204 litres travel on pallets. For full pallets or a season supply, ask us for a quote. More on Shipping & Delivery.

Yes, for the series on our Events pages, such as the Winter Series and F4 Germany. You order per round before the deadline and collect your fuel from the VP team in the paddock.

It depends on the product, quantities, transport mode, route and excise status. We confirm the documents and who is responsible for them before anything is dispatched.

Yes. We quote season supply for teams, and dealers can apply on our Become a dealer page.