#China #Sinopec #Ürümqi #Taklimakan Rally #Aipao Racing Fuel

China Taklimakan Rally 2026

The 2026 China Taklimakan Rally has officially commenced, exclusively sponsored by Sinopec’s Aipao Racing Fuel. This thrilling event kicked off on May 16 in Urumqi, Xinjiang, China, with a remarkable gathering of 152 vehicles and nearly 300 competitors from 74 different teams around the globe, who are set to embark on an extreme adventure spanning 7,500 kilometers.

A Record-Breaking Journey

This year’s rally is designed to stretch across a duration of 17 days, establishing a new record for distance traversed, as it navigates through both the northern and southern regions of Xinjiang. The route begins in Urumqi, passing through the city of Turpan, the Mongolian autonomous prefecture of Bayingolin, Hotan, and Kashi, ultimately culminating in Aksu. Participants will face diverse and challenging terrains, including the expansive Taklimakan Desert and the rugged canyons of the Tianshan Mountains.

Aipao Racing Fuel

Sinopec’s Aipao 103, the first racing fuel developed in China, serves as the official fuel for the rally. With a research octane number (RON) exceeding 103, this fuel provides four essential advantages: anti-knock performance, environmental friendliness, high combustion efficiency, and safety. This fuel is specifically designed to meet the demands of extreme racing conditions, filling a long-standing gap in the Chinese high-performance fuel market.

According to Chen Yanbin, Senior Vice President of Sinopec, the Xinjiang region plays a strategic role as a central hub in the economic belt of the Silk Road, and the rally is positioned as a world-class off-road event. "Motivated by our commitment to clean energy and improving lives, Sinopec continues to support the rally through our Aipao brand, providing comprehensive fuel assurance for motorsports in China," Chen stated. "We aim to deepen the integration of energy, sports, and tourism to promote high-quality growth in Xinjiang and contribute to the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative."

Comprehensive Fuel Support

To ensure seamless operations, Sinopec has modernized its energy support system, establishing over 40 refueling stations along the route. This innovative fixed and mobile dual-mode strategy guarantees accurate, timely, and safe fuel supply, even in the most isolated desert areas.

Since its inception in 2015, Aipao has garnered the trust of over 10 million users due to its cleanliness and outstanding performance. Valued at over 18 billion yuan (approximately 2.64 billion US dollars), the brand continues to exert a significant influence over the Chinese fuel market.

To learn more, please visit Sinopec’s official website.