FIA steps in after WRC fuel supplier goes into administration

Safari Rally Kenya is set to go ahead unaffected despite the World Rally Championship’s fuel supplier P1 Fuels being placed into administration.  

The WRC became the first FIA sanctioned world championship to move to 100% sustainable fuel after German company P1 Performance Fuels won a tender to act as the control fuel supplier, beginning in 2022.

Last month, P1 Fuels was the subject of insolvency proceedings in Germany that placed the company into administration with two of the 14 prescribed 2025 WRC rounds having been completed.  

According to a report on verbraucherschutzforum.berlin, on 10 February, the Charlottenburg District Court, Berlin ordered “far-reaching restrictions for the debtor. Thus, all disposals of the company’s assets are only permissible with the consent of the provisional insolvency administrator”.

It later added: “With the provisional insolvency administration, P1 Performance Fuels GmbH is now under strict supervision. The coming weeks will show whether a restructuring can be sought or the company will be wound up.”

The FIA has since stepped in to ensure that P1 Fuels will be provided to competitors for next week’s Safari Rally Kenya and has paid the custom fees to release the fuel that landed at the port of Mombasa. 

An FIA spokesperson said in a statement: “Following the announcement of P1 Performance Fuels GmbH’s administration, the FIA continues to work closely with all parties to ensure the supply of sustainable fuel for the FIA World Rally Championship.

“The current-specification fuel for Safari Rally Kenya (20-23 March 2025) is in transit and will be used at the event. The FIA remains in regular dialogue with all parties to deliver the best solution for future events.”

Autosport understands that an FIA WRC fuel tender process was already under way prior to P1 Fuels going into administration.

It could mean this tender is accelerated with a new supplier being installed prior to the next WRC round in the Canary Islands from 24-27 April.  

P1 Fuels was also set to provide fuel to the DTM this year, but it is understood this contract has now been taken up by British sustainable fuel supplier Coryton.