Introduction

The principle of the race is to use as little fuel as possible during the race on a given distance to be covered within a given time according to the regulations. The results are given by measuring the fuel consumed during the attempt.

Eco-Marathon competitions are organized at motor racing circuits all over the world. The vehicles used in competitions are build for Eco-Marathon purposes. The vehicles have three or four wheels.

The only fuels that may be used are commercial unleaded 98-octane fuel or - diesel. These fuels are supplied by the organizers. The competitor may also use  two-stroke petrol consisting of a mixture of 2% of high performance synthetic oil, this addition being considered as fuel consumed by the engine. Fuel must be used alone with no additives; only the power produced in the engine by its combustion with air can be used for propulsion, with the exception of factors considered natural, such as wind and gradient. All intentional changes to the aerodynamic form of the vehicle during the race are prohibited

The competitors must complete a given distance (usually 15-20km) at a minimum average speed of 25 km/h. Switching off the engine and rolling on neutral are allowed during the race.

There are two classes in Eco-Marathon competitions: the open class and the basic class. The only limiting regulations in the open class are general structural regulations. In the basic class there are several regulations to keep the competition evenand vehicle costs reasonable low. The limitations of the basic class are:

• In the basic class the only acceptable materials for the carrying chassis are steel, aluminium, plywood and wood. Use of any fibre-material for the carrying chassis is forbidden. The structure must be firm and solid. All axles, subframes and steering-equipment must be attached to the carrying chassis, not to possible bodywork.
• The only acceptable materials for bodywork are metallic plate-sheets, fabrics, wood, non-splintering common and cheap plastics (e.g. tarpaulins and PVC) and glassfibre. The use of all other plastic, reinforced plastic or fibre-materials is forbidden except for windows.
• The following factory-made parts must be used in the engine: cylinder-head, cylinder and its mounting, piston, connecting rod, crankshaft and crankcase. These parts do not have to be from the same engine type and they can be modified freely, but any serial numbers, type plates or similar markings must not be removed from these parts. The only fuel supply-system allowed for a petrol engine is carburetor, which must not have an electric control. All, both electric and mechanical, injection systems are forbidden except for diesel-engines, which must use a non-modified factory made fuelsystem excluding fuel pipes and the fuel tank. Ignition-, lubrication- and cooling systems, cogwheels, inlet- and exhaust-manifolds and exhaust-pipes are free.

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