Tasked
with protecting the engine’s moving parts and managing the heat
generated within the power unit whilst
still
allowing the engine to run as freely as possible; the role the engine
lubricant has to play has always been
extremely
challenging. This is even more true in 2014, a year which sees the
introduction of new technical
regulations
to the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) Formula One
World ChampionshipTM.
Perhaps
the greatest challenge stems from an engine re-design: Formula One
engines have changed from a
capacity
of 2.4 litres to smaller 1.6-litre engines. The new V6 engine is also
turbo-charged and forms part of a
power
unit including the Energy Recovery Systems (ERS). The net result sees
components revolving at higher speeds
and
working within a much more hostile environment in terms of operating
temperatures and packaging.
Furthermore,
this year each driver is limited to just five power units for the 19
races, down from eight last year for
the
same number of races. Any engine used in addition to this allowance
would see severe grid penalties imposed
on the
driver. Therefore, Scuderia Ferrari has been looking to Shell for
lubricant technology to provide protection
throughout
this extended engine life without decreasing the performance.
For
Shell’s scientists and all of the Formula One teams competing this
year, this new regulation change presents a
significant
challenge.
“The
changes for 2014 put even more demands on the oil to protect and cool
the entire power unit, with engine
reliability
being absolutely vital. Therefore, it is of paramount importance for
the Formula One car to use a lubricant
that
can protect the engine comprehensively, whilst simultaneously helping
to deliver maximum power and
performance.
Shell has engineered bespoke Shell Helix Ultra lubricants that
deliver performance and protection for
one of
the most complex power units in motor racing history.”
Guy
Lovett, Shell Formula One Technology Manager
For the
2014 season Scuderia Ferrari has a suite of bespoke Shell Helix Ultra
formulations at its disposal and, as
the
world’s most extreme automotive test bed, Formula One represents
the ideal platform for Shell to develop its
range
of products for the everyday motorist. Many of the compounds used to
power and protect the Scuderia
Ferrari
engine can be found in Shell Helix Ultra’s road-going products.
From
January 2015 the new season’s oils will be formulated using Shell’s
new revolutionary patented PurePlus
Technology.
For many years Shell has been at the forefront of gas-to-liquids
technology and with Shell PurePlus
Technology
now at the heart of every oil tested by Shell’s Technical Partner,
Scuderia Ferrari can also enjoy the
benefits
of this latest innovation.
