Škoda Motorsport is stepping up its sustainability efforts, mirroring the wider environmental strategy of the entire Škoda Auto group. The Czech automaker’s racing division is integrating greener practices across all aspects of its operations — from the development and production of rally cars to their logistics and maintenance.
As motorsport increasingly shifts towards environmental responsibility, Škoda Motorsport is emerging as a leader by going well beyond the requirements of FIA sporting regulations. One notable innovation is the development of sustainable lubricants in partnership with suppliers. The team has already created and tested a sustainable engine oil, now used as the first fill in newly produced customer rally cars.
“A rally engine operates under unique conditions. It requires an oil that maintains its properties even at high temperatures,” said Jakub Jareš, from Škoda Motorsport, highlighting the technical challenge behind the innovation.
The division is also testing sustainable fluids for shock absorbers, transmissions and differentials, conducting trials both in laboratories and on various terrains to refine performance and provide feedback to suppliers.
Škoda Motorsport’s sustainability push also extends to materials innovation. The team has introduced biocomposite components made with flax fibres, already installed in every rally car produced. These components, cured in autoclaves like traditional carbon parts, offer comparable strength and stability.
Additionally, the team has embraced 3D printing to produce prototype parts, cutting down on waste and costly tooling while ensuring recyclability through a dedicated recycling programme. Other green initiatives include using sustainable films for car liveries and recycled packaging in logistics to minimise plastic waste.
“Apart from our sporting activities, our goal is to be at the forefront of sustainability as well. From an engineering perspective, this presents a major challenge, but as a company, we are keen to take on such challenges,” said Holger Peters, Škoda Auto’s CFO and Member of the Board of Management for Finance, IT and Legal Affairs.
