A question shy of ten...

We talk to Formula One Technical Manager Lisa Lilley from Shell, who is part of the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team, about V-Power from a racing standpoint, and what makes her tick.

OneShift Editorial Team

31 May 2007

Based between the Shell Global Solutions’ technical laboratory in Chester, UK, and Ferrari’s Gestione Sportive in Maranello, Italy, Lisa’s role oversees the technical partnership between Shell and Ferrari, covering Formula One, Ferrari Road Car and the Ferrari Challenge Series.

Within the Formula One project her main task is overseeing the complex V-Power development programme for Scuderia Ferrari. Lisa will be attending the majority of races in 2007, as well as coordinating the huge logistical challenge of supplying V-Power Formula One fuel to 17 different races.

Lisa has been working for Shell for 11 years, starting straight from graduating with a degree in engineering in 1995. She initially spent 5 years carrying out fundamental research into combustion chemistry which she used as a basis to gain her PhD.

She then went on to spend five years working on Shell’s alternative fuels project before joining the Formula One programme in 2005.

Shell and Ferrari share a deep technical partnership dating back over 60 years. As Ferrari’s technology partner, Shell has developed unrivalled expertise and knowledge in matching the correct fuel to every new engine design and technical development at Ferrari.

1. Tell us more about the Shell petrol used in a Formula 1 race car, and how it is different from what we get in normal cars, as well as any future developments.

The Shell fuel used in the Formula One race car is tailor-made for optimum performance in the racing environment and can be designed to match Ferrari’s strategy, the track, the local conditions, etc. So for example, we offer a portfolio of fuels that can be optimised for power, responsiveness, fuel economy or hot conditions.

While Shell can tweak the fuel that goes into the car, it is not that different from the Shell V-Power fuel that consumers can find at the pumps today.

Shell V-Power was developed with Scuderia Ferrari at the race track and refined for the road with Ferrari’s road car division, Gestione Gran Turismo. It contains 99 per cent of the same types of compounds found in the Shell Formula One fuel, which is highly regulated by the FIA.

The longstanding Shell-Ferrari partnership has been extended to 2010, and Shell will continue to incorporate its learnings with the Ferrari team on the race track into the performance fuels development programmes for motorists worldwide.

For example, the advanced additive technology currently used in the Shell Formula One V-Power fuel is the same additive technology you can now find in Shell V-Power fuels in many markets.

2. You have researched alternative fuels am I right? What are the most recent developments in that area?

Can the motoring industry expect a huge surprise at the end of it all, and more importantly, can the future of motorsports survive on ANY of these alternative fuels?

I used to work on Shell’s alternative fuel’s project before moving onto Formula One. In terms of Formula One there is a 2008 FIA mandate to include a proportion of bio-fuel in Formula One fuel.

Shell has extensive global experience when it comes to research and production of bio-fuels and in light of this, Shell and Scuderia Ferrari have instituted a joint development programme.

Our objective is to provide the best fuel formulation that not only complies with the new fuel regulations but optimises performance for Ferrari.

Changing the formulation of any fuel will affect performance. Our Shell V-Power fuel is a blend of many ingredients and achieving just the right balance is the art and science we bring to the sport. That expertise remains essential to ensure optimal performance at all times.

3. What has your experience in Formula 1 taught you about racing and life in general?

I do know that working in Formula One has taught me what an amazing group of people work on the programme. The level of teamwork and commitment is astounding and you learn to rely on the wisdom and support of the people around you. In a way, they become a surrogate family.

I have not had much direct contact with Kimi Raikonnen.

All the Ferrari drivers are extremely professional and are very charming people. Most importantly, Shell always gets the best support from Ferrari and drivers - like Kimi - in promoting the Shell brand.

4. How are your team mates? We have lots of Kimi Raikkonen fans out there! Do tell us how he’s like behind the calm and reserved person we know.

Massa, Raikonnen and Schumacher are great professional racers. Again, I have not had much direct contact with either Raikonnen and Schumacher, so I cannot comment on that.

5.What is your take on the perception of Raikkonen/Massa being the successor of Schumacher as a team mate?

6. What do you think of the Sepang Circuit in Malaysia? Are there any technical difficulties/challenges involved (like the hot humid weather, pit strategies due to the circuit layout and so on…)

We have many years of experience in Sepang and as a result, we understand how to ensure the local conditions do not affect the performance or quality of any of our products.

For example, the hot weather in Malaysia makes it important for us to transport, store and handle the fuel correctly to prevent it from weathering.

I cannot comment on the pit strategies, however, as the strategies are decided by the Ferrari team.

7. Has working in a male dominated, “petrolheaded” environment influenced or caused you to love cars and racing? Fill us in on any car related activities that you might fancy

To be honest, I’ve worked in a male dominated environment for so long that I don’t really notice it any more … first doing my engineering degree, and then afterwards with Shell, and now in Formula One.

I love the job that I do and working in Formula One is an amazing experience, one that I never in my wildest dreams imagined I would get. So I have become hooked on Formula One, but outside that I am not really interested in other racing series. I have no car-related dreams to fulfil.

I drive a Fiat Grande Punto, which I bought in the middle of last year.

8. What car/cars do you drive?

9. Last but not least, where do you see the future of F1, Ferrari and well, motorsports in general?

Formula One is an exciting sport that has always stood for pushing performance technology to the limit. We don’t have a crystal ball about the future shape of Formula One or the direction it embraces, but as fans we hope that its character and its thrilling competition remain unaltered.

Credits: Amery Reuben