Shell completes 13,000 km, 74-day circumnavigation of India with Ferrari

MUMBAI, India - The Shell-supported Ferrari ‘Magic India Discovery’ Tour reached its conclusion today in front of the famous Gateway of India in Mumbai, after a 13,000-kilometre, 74-day circumnavigation of India. The tour, which began in Mumbai in late February amid a flurry of speculation and interest, has delighted Indian fans around the country.

Circling India in an anti-clockwise direction, the journey is the fourth in a string of successful Gran Turismo tours developed by Ferrari to expand the Prancing Horse brand beyond its traditional fan base. As with previous endeavours, Shell has been on board as a major supporter and staged several events - in Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, and this week in Mumbai - as testament to the strong technical partnership that exists between the two companies.

Shell Global Sponsorship Activation Manager, Regula Bleuler joined the tour in Delhi: “The Ferrari 'Magic India Discovery' Tour has been a great experience for Shell. Our involvement has helped us to talk about the depth of our technical partnership with Ferrari beyond our well-known Formula One involvement - Ferrari also uses Shell V-Power road fuel and Shell Helix Ultra motor oil in the development of engines for its GT cars, such as the 612 Scaglietti.”

During the tour, the two Ferraris made special guest appearances at several Shell events held for the media, partners, customers and employees. In Bangalore and Chennai, Shell staged refuelling ceremonies at two local petrol stations. Also in Chennai, Shell employees were given the opportunity to admire the cars and mingle with the Ferrari technicians during a dinner reception. At the Select Citywalk mall in Delhi, the cars participated in a special trade showcase for Shell Helix Ultra, helping emphasise the depth of the technical partnership with the Prancing Horse.

At the conclusion of the tour in Mumbai, the cars will make a final appearance for Shell Helix Ultra at a second trade showcase. After the end of the tour, test drives will be held, giving local media the opportunity to drive the cars.

Over 60 Years of Shared Passion for Performance

As early as the 1930s Shell was helping Enzo Ferrari go racing, so it was a mark of esteem when Shell was chosen to supply fuel and oils to the company he founded in 1947. Today, Shell plays an integral role, analysing and developing products for Ferrari racing and road cars, with the aim of transferring learnings to Shell road products.

“Ferrari provides Shell with a cutting-edge test bed for product development,” explains Shell Technology Manager for Ferrari, Dr. Lisa Lilley. “But we also share a common design philosophy. Neither party is willing to accept the status quo - we both seek to push the boundaries of development. This definitely creates an exciting working environment!”

Shell’s activity with the Ferrari Gran Turismo department is wide-ranging, covering fuels, engine lubricants and transmission fluids. The demanding performance engines provide a perfect testing ground for changes and improvements to Shell road products. Ferrari’s approval and endorsement is an important quality target. In return, Shell provides Ferrari with equally important insight into fuel and lubricant development trends so that its cars, which by nature have a longer lifespan than conventional cars, will run at their optimum level on the products of tomorrow.

Shell V-Power road fuel

“Recently, our technical partnership with Ferrari contributed to the development of Shell V-Power road fuel,” says Dr. Lilley. “We use Ferrari to test new technologies under the most extreme and controlled conditions. Knowledge is then transferred into our commercial programmes, to ensure our customers always benefit from the latest advancements.”

The latest version of Shell V-Power road fuel contains an advanced Friction Modification Technology. Targeting the piston rings, the technology is designed to help the engine turn more freely, unlocking valuable energy and helping improve horsepower. Formulated with powerful cleansing agents, the fuel is also designed to help prevent power-robbing deposits from forming on inlet valves and injection systems, with the aim of enhancing responsiveness.

Shell Helix Ultra motor oil

“Lubricant is critical,” Dr. Lilley explains. “The lifeblood of the engine, its job is to help keep the components clean, protect the moving parts from mechanical wear, reduce friction and power loss, and to cool the engine. Shell Helix Ultra contains active cleansing agents to help prevent the build-up of dirt to ensure optimal engine performance.”

Shell’s deep technical partnership with Ferrari is an essential part of its overall design and development strategy. A combination of Shell V-Power road fuel, Shell Helix Ultra motor oil and other products like Shell Spirax gearbox oil and Shell transmission fluid, give all Shell customers, including Ferrari, a complete package of engine care.