Shell V-Power Racing
November 24, 2006 10:03 AM Author: Chips
Formula 1 racing cars run on petrol too and in most cases, the petrol that they use (unleaded by the way) has a very special formulation because of the sophisticated engine design and also the extreme operating conditions. Companies which may have their brand associated with the racing team and see on the cars often say only that the ‘technology’ used in formulating fuels for their F1 partners helps to advance the formulations of the petrol motorists buy at the stations.
Shell now bring to Malaysian motorists virtually the same fuel as supplied to the Ferrari team and states that just 1% is different. The fuel is the new V-Power Racing, which replaces the V-Power which was introduced here in April 2000. According to Eric Holthusen, Fuels Technology Manager, Shell Global Solutions (Asia-Pacific Service Centre), the 1% is the only amount which the FIA (the motorsports authority governing F1) allows to vary so that the fuel can be optimised for different conditions.
“FIA rules require 99% of the fuel’s formulation, ie its components, be the same as what is available to the public and the 1% is where we can alter the fuel characteristics to suit specific racing conditions such as humidity levels at each track. How we do this is proprietary technology which can give an edge to Ferrari’s racing cars,” he explained.
For the new V-Power Racing, which Malaysians have the honour of being the first consumers in Asia (excluding Australia) to start using, the formulation has been enhanced with the use of a new hydrocarbon component developed by Shell. This is the Friction Modifier Technology (FMT) which is also a Shell development and Top Secret. Basically, FMT ‘survives’ the superhot combustion process and can reduce friction which causes power loss. The result is improved acceleration as well as less deposit formation.
Shell is more than just a fuel sponsor that has sticker space on the Ferrari racing cars
“It should be noted that Shell is not just a ‘sponsor’ supplying fuel in return for having sticker space on the Ferrari racing cars,” said Shell Malaysia Trading MD Haji Mohzani Abdul Wahab. “It is actually one of the most successful partnerships in the business and working with the Ferrari F1 team, Shell has accumulated knowledge to advance its fuel technology which enables us to deliver the best high-performance fuels to motorists.”
The new Shell petrol continues to have a RON97 octane rating which Tuan Haji Mohzani said is regulated by the government. The price of RM2.15 is unchanged from before even though it is more expensive to produce than the previous V-Power. The extra cost of production is not entitled to the government subsidy which is why it costs more at the pump.
In spite of the high price, there are still many people who like to use V-Power – and who will appreciate the improved V-Power Racing. According to Tuan Haji Mohzani, the figure varies from station to station from a low of 10% to a high of 40%. He also revealed that the rise in fuel prices had affected sales of the petrol but believed that there remained a fairly sizable group of customers who continue buying it too.
Shell Malaysia MD Haji Mohzani Abdul Wahab launching the new petrol yesterday. The new V-Power Racing replaces the one launched 6 years ago
“The sales volume of V-Power is also related to the number of stations selling it as only 300 stations offer it, all in Peninsula Malaysia,” he added.
“Also, we see that many motorcyclists buy V-Power… not the ‘Mat Rempits’, of course, but there are many who like the benefits of the fuel and cost-wise, it is quite okay for them. Needless to say, those who ride superbikes would very often choose V-Power,” he said.
V-Power Racing also marks a re-branding of the product, the most significant being a change from blue to red, the new colour said to aim ‘to ignite fiery appeal to passionate motorists who want a higher level of engine responsiveness, sharper acceleration and enhanced power
