Shell Fuel Technology

Only one fuel for the Ferrari F60 - Shell V-Power

Fuel is a subject often discussed in Formula One™ circles, but nearly always in relation to its weight and repercussions on speed, or its role in pit stop strategy and the distance a Formula One™ car can travel before it re-fuels. Interestingly, what is often overlooked and rarely considered is what fuel does inside the engine to achieve performance in these areas. Shell and Ferrari work closely together to develop their fuel advantage in this respect.

Mike Evans, Shell Formula One™ Fuels Development Project Leader explains, "In recent times, our technical partnership has seen the development of Shell V-Power race fuel, which is designed to provide Ferrari with three main advantages - first, give the engine more power and responsiveness through optimised formulation and friction reduction; second, improve fuel economy; and third, offer protection and increase the reliability of the engine."

One of the latest fuels developed by Shell contains Friction Modification Technology. Targeting mainly the piston rings, the technology is designed to help the engine turn more freely, unlocking valuable energy and helping improve horsepower. Formulated with powerful cleansing agents, the fuel also helps improve responsiveness.

Fuel economy is an ongoing development area. In Formula One™, an extra lap before pitting can mean the difference between a win and a loss.

Evans says, "We measure fuel economy on a gravimetric basis - that is the weight of fuel used for a certain distance, rather than volume. Shell's objective is to create a lighter fuel. For example, say a Formula One™ fuel tank holds 100 litres. If the Shell V-Power race fuel we create weighs a kilogram or two less than a competitor using the same size tank, then we could potentially give Ferrari an added lap advantage."

The third major advantage Shell V-Power race fuel is designed to give Ferrari is engine protection and reliability, essential in the age of the two-race engine lifespan. In this area Shell Helix motor oil works together with Shell V-Power race fuel to help provide comprehensive protection. Evans says, "Shell is very proud of the fact that we helped Ferrari reach a strong engine reliability record. By combining Shell V-Power race fuel with a suite of other Shell products, we create a complete package of care for Ferrari's engine."

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Shell V-Power : Formulated for powerful cleaning

Shell V-Power contains powerful cleaning agents, designed to prevent the formation of power-robbing deposits which can impact on responsiveness. It is formulated to help remove existing deposits that other fuels may have left behind, to help new engines run smoothly for longer, and to help rejuvenate older engines.

Friction Modification Technology : designed to help deliver more power

Shell's unique Friction Modification Technology formulation is designed to create a molecular film that helps reduce this friction. If friction is reduced, then more of the fuel's energy is available to power the vehicle, helping to improve performance from the first fill.

Shell V-Power : Ferrari fuel for the road

Shell V-Power has been formulated by the Shell scientists who developed Ferrari's Formula One™ 2006 race fuels. Its unique cleaning agents and FMT have been formulated to help increase an engine's responsiveness and improve driving performance. See what it could do for your car or bike.

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A sample of Shell Helix taken from the laboratory.

Engine lubricant is critical. The very lifeblood of the engine, the reliable running of the Formula One™ car would not be possible without this oil. The tailored blend of Shell Helix gives exactly the right level of cleansing and protection whilst maximising the power output of the engine.

The first job of Shell Helix is to protect all the moving parts that rub together from mechanical wear. The oil is fed to the bearings of the camshafts to lubricate, minimising friction and wear, thereby enhancing the engine's reliability. The enormous forces required to open the valves quickly enough at 19,000 rev/min must also be transmitted through a lubricant effectively and without failure.

The engine is exposed to extreme conditions and high temperatures as it turns. The 'multi-tasking' lubricant is designed to take away the heat, controlling the engine temperature and preventing the heat from having a detrimental effect. The ability of an engine oil to cool as well as lubricate is often overlooked. Pistons can exceed temperatures of 300°C; engine oil is sprayed on the underside of the pistons to keep them cool - without this extra protection they would undoubtedly fail in a race.

However it takes a very good engine lubricant to find the right balance of these characteristics whilst also ensuring the car's performance is fully optimised. As the Shell Helix travels through the engine the formulation is designed to maximise the power delivered to the engine so that no energy is wasted.

Lisa Lilley, Shell Technology Manager for Ferrari: "When you consider that the oil flow rates around the engine are faster than the speed of the Ferrari Formula One™ car, this gives you an idea of the extreme conditions in a Formula One™ engine. At Shell we have a team dedicated to tailoring Shell Helix engine oil for the Ferrari so that we can ensure reliability and protection but we can also guarantee the car is receiving the most horsepower possible."

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