News and Media Releases

Landmark victory with Shell V-Power Diesel fuel technology at Le Mans

18/06/2006

The world of motor racing was turned upside-down today, as Shell V-Power Diesel race fuel powered Audi Sport to victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans race – re-writing the history books to become the first ever diesel-powered winner of the legendary endurance event.

In a gruelling 24 hours of hard-charging, heart-stopping action, drivers Frank Biela, Emanuele Pirro and Marco Werner utilised the relentless power and efficiency offered by Shell V-Power Diesel race fuel to complete 380 laps of the sweeping French circuit. Not only did this see them 4 laps ahead of the competition, but safely into the history books as the only drivers to win motor racing’s most punishing event - with diesel in the tank.

With both cars on the front row of the grid the performance advantage of Shell V-Power Diesel race fuel was clear to see as the Audi R10 TDI were over 2.5 seconds ahead of the field after the first lap.

With the help of Shell V-Power Diesel technology continuously cleaning the fuel injection system, the winning Audi R10 TDI was able to sustain this great performance right through to the end of the race, and after 27 pit stops over 24 hours, the winning car completed 380 laps to secure an unforgettable maiden victory.

Shell V-Power Diesel is a top performance diesel fuel designed to help modern diesel engines deliver more power, for longer. Already available at about 5,000 service stations across Europe, Shell scientists have used the same fuel technology behind V-Power Diesel to create this special racing fuel for Le Mans.

This remarkable result was due in part to the inclusion of Shell GTL (Gas to Liquids) Fuel in the race formulation. Shell V-Power Diesel is the first and only premium diesel to use this special synthetic fuel technology which is created from natural gas in Malaysia using a unique Shell synthesis process. Shell GTL Fuel burns more cleanly and efficiently than conventional diesel because of its outstanding purity and cetane quality.

Mike Copson, Shell Motorsport Technical Manager commented, “What we have achieved today would have simply been unimaginable a few years ago. It’s a landmark victory for Shell, and for diesel as a whole, and we’re very proud to have created the first ever diesel fuel with the enduring power needed to win at Le Mans.”

Related link: www.shell.com/lemans

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