Shell celebrates success with Ducati

In 2008, the engine of the new Ducati MotoGP bike - the Desmosedici GP8 - has
been developed in collaboration with Shell’s engineers. The engine has been
modified to minimise friction and increase the power and responsiveness of
the bike, with the help of a specially-designed combination of Shell V-Power
race fuel and Shell Advance lubricant. Similarly, World Superbike’s Ducati
1098 F08 Superbike runs on a race version of premium road fuel Shell V-Power,
with lubrication provided by Shell Advance.
.
“Shell Advance can make an incremental difference to performance by
reducing the amount of friction within the engine and gearbox,” said Michael
Knaak, Lubricant Development & Delivery Manager, Shell Global Solutions. “In
2004 we introduced friction modifiers to the oil, which saw the Ducati
Desmosedici produce significantly more horsepower. On the fuel front,
maximising fuel efficiency has become the most important goal. Fuel efficiency
and power can be in direct opposition to each other, so the challenge for the
Shell technicians is to meet this fuel economy goal while balancing the required
delivery of performance. As a result, the Shell V-Power fuel blend is constantly
being developed as we gain the knowledge from racing these high revving, ultra-
powerful engines”.
.
Next > Back <