Gary Masterman represents UK in Optifuel Challenge

Gary Masterman of Earl Transport will be the UK representative in the international final of the Optifuel Challenge, Renault Trucks’ eco-efficient driving competition.

The final, which takes place in Lyon today (October 16), brings together 25 of the world’s most efficient drivers to go head-to-head to win a Renault Trucks T High 480 2019 edition. 

Carlos Rodrigues, managing director of Renault Trucks UK & Ireland, said: “From the very first mile, our goal is to reduce fuel consumption through highly efficient vehicles equipped with the most advanced fuel-saving technologies.

“However, it is equally important that the driver uses these innovations to deliver the best balance of economy and speed.

“Gary has already proven his eco-driving skills to win the UK Optifuel challenge in July, and we wish him all the best for the final.” 

The international final consist of two parts. First, drivers will complete a questionnaire that tests their knowledge of eco-driving principles and how to reduce fuel consumption.

Next, they will participate in a 40-minute open-road driving test in a Renault Trucks T Optifuel with a 13-litre Euro 6 Step D engine. The winner will be the driver who consumed the least without sacrificing commercial speed.

Throughout the competition, drivers will be assisted by a representative from their company and a member of the local Renault Trucks network. Their team will be able to track their performance in real time using the Optifleet fleet management system

To ensure fairness for the competitors, a random draw will determine the order of passage, and tractor-trailer departures will be staggered. An additional vehicle will accompany each group of drivers to take into account traffic and any factors that may affect driving conditions.

List of finalists:

Algeria: Nabil Bedreddine; TerrenoTrans

Belgium: Gérald Sundermann; Coca Cola European Partners Belgium

Bulgaria: Plamen Ivanov; Sunny Co Ltd.

Chile: Miguel Vargas; Transportes Berrios

Czech Republic: David Suchánek; Josef Lux - Eurotrans

Estonia: Kalle Puhm; Velirek Oü

France: Pascal Bosser; Transports Rollin

Hungary: János Szabados; Moltrans

Israel: Shlomo Bezerano; Bezerano Transport

Italy: Daniele Lucertini; Autotrasporti Lucertini SRL

Latvia: Andrejs Šēfers; IFT, SIA

Lituania: Erikas Sadauskas; MS Transport, UAB

Luxembourg: Mickael Schmitt; Di Edigio

Morocco: Atman Kardach; Socamtra

Poland: Piotr Krahel; Concept Cargo Logistics

Portugal: Carlos Papeleira; Ribercer

Romania: Costin Anghelescu; Costi Trans

Serbia & Montenegro: Dragan Radenković; Transport Mršević

Slovakia: Frantisek Oravec; František Oravec

Spain: Raúl Álvarez Taboada; Galicia Direct

Switzerland: Reto Winterberger; Wüthrich Transporte GmbH