2008 Shell Team Profiles

The development of the Shell Advance lubricant for the Ducati Teams competing in MotoGP and World Superbike Championship falls under the responsibility of Michael Knaak. Based in Hamburg, Germany, he is also in charge of delivering every other Shell product that gives Ducati that extra edge on the track.

Michael’s passion for motorcycles attracted him to study for a degree in Mechanical Engineering. After graduating with a Masters Degree, Michael joined Shell in Chester, UK, and immediately became involved in working on vehicle technology. He has since held a variety of technical motorsport roles within the company which ultimately led him to his position designing Shell Advance lubricants for Ducati Corse and the forecourt.

A strategic milestone in Michael’s career was the implementation of the use of 'friction modifiers' in the latest blends of Shell Advance lubricant in 2004. This discovery allowed Ducati Desmosedici engine to produce almost 1% more horsepower - just by changing the oil.

Jörg Landschof has an extensive background in global motorsport fuel development, including trackside analysis for the all-conquering Audi team at the famous 24-hour endurance race at Le Mans since 2001. With over 23 years experience in racing fuel design and development, Jörg has focused on the Ducati Corse motorcycle racing fuels since 1999 and also on the development of the Shell V-Power fuels for the road.

Based in Hamburg, Germany, Jörg works in Shell Global Solutions alongside the Shell Advance lubricant team to design and produce Shell V-Power performance fuels for Ducati Corse. Through the year (testing and racing), Jörg ensures that the Ducati Desmosedici GP8 MotoGP bike and 1098 F08 World Superbike have all the power they could need.

Jörg’s strategic support and contribution ensures that the improvement in performance of the products is used to maximise the responsiveness of the racing bikes.