Write In The Driving Seat

Oliver Hayward, Chelwood Gate

In 1937, Shell formed a partnership with a small firm in Modena Italy. Although the firm was humble and unknown there were whispers, murmurs of greatness. Today this alliance has achieved legendary status; together the two companies have reached astonishing heights achieving greatness at the pinnacle of motorsport excellence, Formula One. The firm was the little known Scuderia Ferrari, the owner, a Mr Enzo Ferrari, today responsible for being the most renowned car maker of all time.

What made this partnership so strong? It was Shell’s ability to constantly push the boundaries of science and technology, working at the forefront of FIA regulations to make every horsepower count. The same passion is taken from the heart of a Ferrari and put into the soul of your car using Shell V–Power. Increased engine performance is a result of friction modification technology which helps the engine turn freely. Enhanced octane prevents random combustion and gives you more performance when it matters. Cleaning action prevents carbon deposits and reduces power loss leaving the power where you need it, on the tarmac.

17,500 man-hours per year, ‘60 years shared passion’, 10 Formula One constructor’s championships and 12 driver’s championships later it is easy to see that this relationship works.

Shell V-Power takes me back to the dawn of the relationship between the two firms, Back to the fields of Modena where the evening sunset burns as red as a Ferrari and the subtle notes of a finely tuned v8 whistle in the wind across the rolling landscape. It may be five o’clock; I may be in grid lock, in the rain, on the M25. But when my foot eventually caresses the accelerator, when Shell V-Power flows through the veins of my car and I reach the country chicanes, I truly feel Ferrari.

Oliver Hayward, Chelwood Gate2.25546