Pioneering Sustainable Offroad Adventures
The Offroad Club Monaco (OCM), in collaboration with BPM Exclusive, hosted a significant event at Circuit Paul Ricard on October 19, 2025, to highlight advancements in eco-fuel and sustainable motorsport. This partnership brought together over 650 guests for the latest edition of the Paul Ricard Experience, with OCM serving as the official partner for the offroad section. The event transformed a segment of the iconic track into an adventurous playground, integrating technology and environmental consciousness.
Founded by Massimiliano and Erminia Fezia Mordenti, OCM advocates for a vision of motorsport that harmonizes high performance with a deep respect for nature. Massimiliano Mordenti, an entrepreneur and outdoor enthusiast, has previously demonstrated his commitment to sustainability by achieving a world record on a jet ski powered entirely by bioethanol, an endeavor supported by OCM and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
Eco-Fuel Demonstrations and Circuit's Green Credentials
A central feature of the event was the demonstration of eco-fuel technology, notably a bioethanol-powered Mercedes G-Class 4x4². Guests were guided through challenging offroad terrains, including steep climbs and water crossings, in two Mercedes-Benz G-Class 4x4² models, one of which ran exclusively on bioethanol. This showcased OCM's philosophy that 'sustainability and excitement can share the same track.'
The choice of Circuit Paul Ricard as the venue underscored the event's sustainable message. The circuit is a recognized leader in environmental responsibility, having been the first in France and the second Formula 1 circuit globally to achieve FIA 3-star environmental certification in 2019. Furthermore, in 2023, it became the first French circuit to obtain the ISO 20121 standard for sustainable event management. The circuit's commitment includes:
- Efficient waste sorting and recycling systems for nineteen different types of waste.
- A large fleet of electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for technical teams.
- The use of biodiesel for technical and track safety vehicles.
- 20,000 m² of photovoltaic solar panels, producing approximately 3,484 MWh of energy annually.
Industry Leaders and Future Outlook
BPM Exclusive, the luxury automotive arm of BPM Group founded by former French racing driver Patrick Bornhauser, organized the broader Paul Ricard Experience. Their collaboration with OCM signifies a shared dedication to innovation and environmental responsibility in the automotive sector. The event attracted notable figures, including Formula 1 driver Oliver Bearman and Italian GT driver Francesco Castellacci, who engaged with the offroad activities and shared insights.
This event aligns with Monaco's broader commitment to promoting clean energy and sustainability within motorsport, as evidenced by initiatives like the FIA's 'Vision 2030' plan to reduce motorsport's carbon footprint and promote sustainable fuels and technologies. The partnership between Offroad Club Monaco and BPM Exclusive at Circuit Paul Ricard serves as a tangible example of how the motorsport industry is moving towards a more environmentally conscious future.
6 Comments
Rotfront
Motorsport can never be truly sustainable. This is just a PR stunt to look good.
Karamba
Massimiliano and Erminia Fezia Mordenti's vision is inspiring. Great initiative!
Matzomaster
The demonstration of bioethanol in a Mercedes G-Class highlights technological possibilities for cleaner fuels. Yet, it doesn't fully address the broader manufacturing and lifecycle emissions associated with luxury vehicles, which are substantial.
Karamba
It's encouraging to see Circuit Paul Ricard leading in environmental certifications, which is crucial for venues. However, the overall footprint of attracting high-end automotive events still needs to be considered for true sustainability.
Michelangelo
650 guests flying in for this? The carbon footprint of the event itself is ignored.
Raphael
Bioethanol crops require vast land and resources. It's not the magic solution they claim.