Massa and Raïkkönen at Shell press conference in Melbourne

The streets of Carlton, Melbourne roared into life on Thursday as Shell hosted Scuderia Ferrari at its first technical press conference of the 2008 season. In the lead up to this weekend’s 2008 Australian Grand Prix, the 2007 Formula One Constructors Champions, and technical partner Shell, provided an insight into the direction of the Ferrari racing team as it starts the campaign to defend its crown.

2007 Drivers’ Champion Kimi Räikkönen and team-mate Felipe Massa spent time with local Ferrari fans and joined Shell’s Formula One Technology Manager, Dr Lisa Lilley on stage at the press conference to answer questions from the international media.

"We’ve been working alongside Ferrari to ensure that products used by the team are not only optimised for maximum performance, but maintain the car’s reliability while satisfying FIA regulations," explained Dr Lilley.

With new FIA regulations coming into effect, 2008 will be another interesting year for Shell, with fuel and lubricants playing a crucial role in any team’s success.

"With the freeze on engine development introduced last year and this year’s rules limiting the cars to one gearbox per four races, the importance of quality fuels and lubricants in generating additional power will be even more critical this season. We’ve been working hard over recent months to really optimise the products and we are starting the season with a new Shell Helix engine oil formulation and a new Shell V-Power race fuel." said Dr Lilley.

During Dr Lilley’s inaugural season as Shell Technology Manager for Formula One in 2007, Ferrari was able to capture both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships, a fact that Dr Lilley is extremely proud of. "To be a part of such a successful team is a huge honour."