The requirements to be fulfilled by the fuel, which is intended to give the cars that extra shot of power for those decisive tenths of a second, are extreme: it should be very lightweight and keep consumption as low as possible so the cars' weight can be kept to a minimum and the refuelling stops remain short.

The refuelling procedure itself offers no scope for saving time. The refuelling systems are standardised and pump only 12 litres per second of the EU-compliant unleaded premium petrol into the tank, which is fitted behind the driver’s seat. For safety precautions and fire prevention during a crash, its hull is made of deformable kevlar.

During refuelling in Formula 1, both the driver and mechanics are well-protected by fireproof overalls and helmets. Everyday drivers are subjected to hazards themselves at petrol stations. Although the probability of a fire is comparatively low thanks to safety regulations, it must always be remembered that petrol is volatile and highly flammable. Between 1993 and 2004, the number of petrol station fires reported worldwide was still more than 200. “Every one of us can contribute to increased safety by trying not to spill any petrol while refuelling and by avoiding sources of ignition,” says Dr Christoph Lauterwasser from the Allianz Center for Technology (AZT). “Obvious sources of ignition include cigarettes and open fires, but electrostatic discharges that cause sparks can also be avoided – for example by not entering the vehicle again after refuelling has begun.”

Although optimal fuel is also important for the performance of cars in everyday traffic, in Formula 1 it represents a colossal competitive advantage. The ability to complete just one or two laps more than the competition on the same amount of fuel can have a decisive impact on the outcome of the race. Fuel consumption plays a major part in strategy and is therefore among the teams’ best-guarded secrets. According to estimates by experts, a Formula 1 car uses approximately 70 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres. In view of the performance achieved by the race cars, this makes them highly economical.

To ensure only the permitted fuel is used in Formula 1, each team must submit a sample to the FIA before the season. On Grand Prix weekends, the FIA technicians take random samples from the cars, storage tanks and refuelling machines, which are then analysed and compared with the submitted sample in a special on-site laboratory at the race track. If the samples do not match, drastic penalties can be imposed. These can go as far as disqualification from the race. Usually however, all teams play by the rules – after all, you can only make it to the podium with the right fuel.

Allianz Safety Check: Shanghai International Circuit - by WilliamsF1 Team driver Mark Webber:

“This is one of the most interesting circuits on the calendar. The first corner is especially taxing, in my opinion one of the most difficult in Formula 1. The extremely long right-hander narrows abruptly at the end and really isn’t easy to take. Making a driving error here results in a decisive loss of time during qualifying that is impossible to make up again. The good overall impression is backed up by the fact that the super-modern circuit, which was only opened in 2004, is state-of-the-art when it comes to safety.”