Australian GP: Shell technical briefing

NEW FERRARI ENGINE OIL STRATEGY TO DEBUT IN AUSTRALIA

Engine Lubricant

*Ferrari has the option to change its engine lubricant throughout the weekend to suit strategy. Shell has developed a selection of three new engine oils for the team

*Whilst the main blend is based around last year's successful Shell Helix SL0848 the team will have the option of changing to blends of higher or lower viscosity as the weekend evolves. This is a revolutionary approach to race strategy

*Last year's race was run in cool conditions, a huge benefit for racing engines. Temperatures in Melbourne are high at the moment and this could significantly impact on engine life. Given that engines taken to Australia will have to run in high temperature conditions in Malaysia two weeks later, the majority of teams will look to conserve engine life this weekend.

Ross Brawn, Ferrari technical director:

"A key factor for success in 2005 is knowing exactly how hard to push the engines. Having developed a portfolio of oils with Shell, we should be able to push the engines harder for longer without compromising track time or engine wear during practice sessions."

Mike Copson, Shell Formula One Technical Manager:

"With a selection of three Shell Helix Ultra oils we are confident that we have found a range of excellent blends that will protect and power the Ferrari engine into 2005."

Fuel

*New Shell V-Power ULG59/L6 features a new additive package designed to compliment the new engine oil strategy

*Additives with an extra protective and lubricating quality have been blended into the original formula to concentrate in the cylinder head area

*At the 2004 Australian Grand Prix, Shell's low-density fuel helped the Ferrari drivers stay on track longer than most rivals on the same strategy. Having worked closely with Bridgestone and Ferrari, Shell is expecting to provide similar strategic advantages this year

*Fuel consumption in Australia is average although high temperatures will see fuel conditioning take on an added element as teams try and keep the fuel as cool as is legally allowed for the extra power that 'conditioned' fuel provides

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