The vast, challenging landscapes of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region provided the perfect stage this past Saturday for a significant milestone in the region's automotive and energy sectors. At the opening ceremony of the 2026 China Taklimakan International, the first domestically produced 103-octane racing fuel was officially put into use, powering an extreme journey across the desert.
As the starting command echoed across the region on Saturday morning, 152 racing cars and nearly 300 competitors from around the globe embarked on a grueling 7,500-kilometer trek. For this year's rally, the newly developed 103-octane racing fuel was designated as the official fuel, marking a shift in the energy landscape for high-performance motorsports in the Chinese mainland.
Developed by Sinopec, this high-grade racing gasoline fills a critical domestic gap. With a research octane number exceeding 103—five units higher than commercially available 98-octane fuel—the product effectively reduces the risk of engine knock under the high compression and heavy load conditions typical of extreme racing.
Li Zhongdan, deputy director of the New Materials Research Institute of Sinopec Zhenhai Refining and Chemical Co., Ltd., highlighted that the fuel was specifically engineered for the rigors of the track. "Designed for the extreme conditions of racing – high speed, heavy load and prolonged continuous operation – the fuel has a conductivity of no less than 500 pS/m, which reduces the risk of static electricity buildup during high-flow refueling," Li explained.
Beyond power and safety, the fuel focuses on efficiency and sustainability. Its olefin content is controlled at approximately 1%, which is roughly 80% lower than conventional 98-octane gasoline, resulting in improved combustion efficiency and power response. Furthermore, the fuel contains no lead or manganese anti-knock additives and maintains an extremely low sulfur content, balancing peak performance with environmental protection.
For years, the racing fuel market in the Chinese mainland relied heavily on imports, with some teams forced to blend their own fuel. This reliance often led to unstable supply chains, high costs, and long procurement cycles. The successful deployment of this domestic alternative marks a turning point for the industry.
Liu Zhihua, vice president of Sinopec Sales, noted that the entry of this fuel into the Taklimakan Rally signals a new phase of systematic research, development, and standardized production. "This not only fills a gap in domestic top-tier racing fuel but also opens a new path for the standardization and professional supply of high-end racing fuel in China," Liu stated, adding that it provides solid energy support for the high-quality development of the motor sports industry.
Reference(s):
China's 1st domestically produced 103-octane racing fuel put into use
cgtn.com
