The year 2006 brings with it major technical changes to the sport of Formula One with new V-8 engines and the return of pit-stop tyre changes. Michael Schumacher has a new team mate, Felipe Massa. Knockout qualifying is introduced. But it's not all change for Scuderia Ferrari, which is embarking on the second decade of its successful technical collaboration with Shell this year.

Historic technical partners, Shell and Ferrari established their current relationship in 1996, a move that was a prelude to one of the most successful periods in the Scuderia's storied history. In 2005, Shell renewed its commitment to Formula One's most successful team through 2010. 'We've found the right formula for Ferrari as a technical partner,' explained Juan Carlos Perez, Vice President of Global Sponsorships for Shell Brands International AG. 'Shell is at the very heart of Ferrari's performance, on track and on the road, with Shell V-Power fuel and Shell Helix oils developed with Ferrari. Shell engineers and technicians work side-by-side with Ferrari to ensure that the team has the very best portfolio of fuel and lubricants products available for every competitive situation.'

In the 10-year partnership with Ferrari, Shell has clearly demonstrated that not all fuels are created equal. Shell V-Power has powered Scuderia Ferrari to six FIA Constructors' World Championship titles. Shell has been beside Ferrari every step of the way during those 10 years. A cadre of 40 engineers, chemists and technicians work as a team with Ferrari, at each Grand Prix circuit, at the Ferrari factory and at Shell facilities in the United Kingdom and Germany. A special Shell technical facility - the Shell Track Lab - is an integral part of the Ferrari paddock support complex at every Formula One race. Inside, Shell has state-of-the-art technical equipment to ensure the quality and consistency of the fuels and lubricants used by the team, while Shell experts contribute to Ferrari's race strategy.
 

For 2006, that strategy will include fuel selection and fuel load calculation for the unique new knockout-style qualifying format. This new system, introduced for 2006, culminates in a 20-minute knockout qualifying session that will determine the top 10 positions on the starting grid. Fuel load will be a key strategic element of the knockout qualifying session. That is because teams must start the next day's race with the same level of fuel in which the car started the 20-minute final qualifying session. After qualifying, officials will oversee the topping-up of fuel tanks to the exact level at which they began the knockout round.

Cars lower down the grid - whose grid positions are set earlier in the one-hour knockout format - will not have the same fuel-level restriction. Grid places 11 and beyond will be able to start the next day's race with any level of fuel they desire. 'Knockout qualifying adds a new strategic wrinkle for 2006,' explained Shell F1 Project Manager Lisa Lilley. 'What's the optimal level of fuel in the battle for pole position? That's one question, but how does that level fit with our refuelling strategy for the race? That can be another question entirely. Finding the right balance will be the challenge in addressing these two different but interlinked objectives. Shell will be supporting Ferrari in the quest for the right fuel strategy in 2006.'