Shell-Backed 20,000-Mile Road Challenge Kicks Off U.S. Stage

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 23 -- An arduous 20,000-mile journey in twin Ferrari Fioranos fueled by Shell V-Power(R) left Mexico in the dust today to embark on the U.S. leg of the Panamerican 20,000 adventure, which will end in New York City on Nov. 17, 2006. The expedition will introduce the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano to markets in the American continents and is a bold demonstration of the strong technical relationship Ferrari has enjoyed with Shell -- both on and off the track -- stretching back to the 1930s.

The Shell-backed Ferrari Panamerican 20,000 adventure, which has already successfully traversed the Andes of South America and the dusty, winding roads of Central America, takes off from Los Angeles on Wednesday, Oct. 25 with a special morning refueling ceremony at a local Shell station on its way to New York. Along the journey, Ferrari is taking advantage of the support of its longtime technical collaborator -- Shell.

Journalists from around the world will be behind the wheel of the Ferraris on alternate stages of the long road challenge. The convoy, which began in August, has traveled through countries such as Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Panama, Nicaragua and Mexico before entering the United States. From Los Angeles, the Panamerican 20,000 continues through Las Vegas, Monument Valley, Houston, Miami, Washington, D.C., Chicago and Milwaukee, then across Lake Michigan to Detroit and Toronto before reaching its final stage in Manhattan on Nov. 17.

Shell Support Essential

Shell is providing Shell V-Power fuel, a suite of Q(R) lubricant products and constant technical support to the Ferrari outreach mission to the Americas. A Shell technical support specialist will shadow the 599 GTB Fioranos every mile of the journey.

Shell stations along the route will play a critical role in keeping the Ferraris supplied with Shell V-Power and celebrating the passing of the Ferrari Panamerican 20,000 with special events and promotions.

"Shell is standing behind Ferrari 100 percent for the entire route of the Panamerican 20,000," said Juan Carlos Perez, general manager, Global Sponsorships, Shell Brands International. "This journey would be a daring statement for any carmaker, but to attempt this expedition with true super cars speaks volumes about the confidence Ferrari has in the engineering of its products. We're proud that Shell is part of that engineering and that our products are recommended by Ferrari for every car it produces."

The Shell commitment to product, logistical support and on-the-road technical expertise has earned it the position as presenting sponsor for the Americas expedition.

Across the Americas, Ferrari and Shell will encounter a mix of conditions, from highly urbanized population centers to remote, unpopulated vistas. For both companies, the Panamerican 20,000 is an opportunity to prove the excellence of engineering quality embodied by their respective products.

Shell supported a similar trek across China in 2005 with Ferrari 612 Scagliettis. The 2006 crossing of the Americas is a determined debut for the all-new 599 GTB Fiorano launched this year. Ferrari enjoys a customer base across the major markets of the Americas. The United States is Ferrari's largest national market and home to a network of more than 13,000 conveniently located Shell fuel stations.

Shell-Ferrari Technical Relationship

Shell was one of Enzo Ferrari's technical collaborators before he founded the company bearing his name, a company dedicated to developing the best sports and Granturismo cars in the world. Shell fueled Ferrari's first Formula One victory in 1951 and continues in that role today, having fueled more than 130 Ferrari Grand Prix victories in history.

Shell has fueled six Ferrari Formula One Constructors' Championships and every new Ferrari road car leaving the Maranello, Italy, factory in the past decade.

Today, Shell products are not only provided with every new Ferrari road car but are also used extensively in Ferrari's product development engineering and testing. A Shell engineering office in Maranello allows for efficient information sharing and teamwork between the two companies. From its sophisticated engine test benches to Ferrari's exclusive Fiorano test circuit, the new 599 GTB Fiorano was rigorously tested prior to its launch.

To follow the tour, visit http://www.shell.com/us/20000 and http://www.shell.com/motorsport . You can also download copyright-free images and more information regarding Shell and Ferrari at http://www.shell.com/motorsportmedia .

  For more information contact:

  Beth Valone
  PRISM
  t: 313.583.8089
  bvalone@prismteam.com

  Shell U.S. media line
  713.241.4544

  Alberto Friedrich
  Global Sponsorship Manager
  Shell Brands International AG
  t: +41 (0)41 769 4250
  m: +41 79 68 92 541
  alberto.friedrich@shell.com