V is for va-va-vroom

Not all fuels are created the same,” said Chris Tan, global fuels portfolio manager for Shell as he pumped up our moods for driving that one sunny day at the Sepang International Circuit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

It was one day before the actual F1 night race in neighboring Singapore, where there was Grand Prix fever everywhere. Red, being the color synonymous with speed and Ferrari cars, was ubiquitous. In a roomful of motoring journalists from all over the globe, I sat there, not having driven a vehicle for how long I don’t even remember. Yes, it’s that long.

A whole morning was spent delving into the “Science Behind Performance Fuels” — not exactly a subject I’d choose as an elective but coming from a night on the town in Bukit Bintang (KL’s party central), I thought I was going to run out of gas that sunny day. Talks about lubricants and performance levels gave me a different imagery. But being surrounded by scientists and experts in the racing field brought me back down to earth, with a speed that made me see gasoline in a whole new light.

Everybody around me seemed to be either wearing one of those covetable Shell gas boy tops or a Shell-Ferrari shirt. Over dinner, another guest politely asked fuel technology senior scientist John Lambert what the “V” in V Power stood for.

Designer fuel

That question was going to be answered in full detail the next morning, complete with 3D modules and mechanical devices — sort of like in a science museum, only way cooler. In a nutshell (pun intended), “Shell V-Power Unleaded, Shell V-Power Diesel (already launched in the Philippines) and Shell Helix Ultra are all designed to increase performance and enhance driving experience. Think of it as “designer fuel” fortified with extra vitamins and minerals, plus a free cleaning lady to boot.

Lisa Lilley, technology manager for Ferrari-Shell at the laboratory

To go designer or not to go designer, that is the question. Well, Shell invests 18,000 hours a year in research and development under the most extreme conditions — so they surely know what they’re talking about. Now I’m not about to go mechanical and motoring jargon on you, but as the talks progressed to one-on-one demonstrations, it made me realize that somehow this Shell-V Power is the “elixir of youth” for your vehicle, the anti-aging cream if you must.

I also learned that this power fuel, aside from unlocking the horsepower from your engine, also helps clean the “insides” of your vehicle, no matter what you drive. If you put an x-ray, you’ll see that each emission causes deposits in the engine. Shell V Power makes the holes more flawless, like that moisturizer you put (do you?) in the morning. “Shell V-Power is formulated to reduce frictional losses in your engine.” There’s a cleaning factor that is working overtime. The drink Yakult, with its famous lactobacilli-shirota strain that’s “good for your body,” comes to mind. Its diesel counterpart also helps clean diesel injectors and gives you “more power for longer.” Now think ginseng. What that can do, I leave it to you.

“The best analogy I can give is it is like coffee. Shell V-Power is like real coffee and regular fuel is like decaf,” shared a German editor who likes the kick of V. Others look at it more like a mild medicine or a vitamin supplement. A Filipino colleague put it best when he said “Short-term pain, long-term gain. I may spend a small extra at the pump, but I avoid big bills from my mechanic,” so wisely added during this time of quality over quantity.

Race pace

The afternoon before: Race preparations on Alonso’s team

After the talks, it was time for action as we all took turns on the Sepang racetrack coached by renowned Asian drivers. I am not an expert in the automotive side of things and I don’t think I’ll ever be. But I saw my companions’ jaws dropping just observing the cars we were being exposed to during the trip. And when it was my turn to drive? The rush, the speed, the wind blowing against your face while you hear nothing but the vroom-vroom of your vehicle, with a great view of the horizon in sight — it was heaven.

That night in Singapore, the F1 race was painted in red — with Shell and Ferrari logos everywhere from shirts to city streets to backpacks! We were lucky to have access to the Ferrari paddock, since Shell has had a special technical partnership dating 60 years back with founder Enzo Ferrari. We did a behind-the-scenes peek at the paddocks and saw the inner workings of the F1 race. The mechanics, the scientists and everybody else that worked to make sure that passion and performance outdid each other in the zoom department. Post-party F1 was dominated by Amber Lounge and newly-opened hotspot Ku De Ta at the Marina Bay Sands. The prices? A cover charge of $500 to 500 pounds per pop, or $5,000 to 5,000 pounds per table — but that’s another story.

While checking out the area where Fernando Alonso’s tires were kept, lo and behold, he appeared in front of me, just in time for me to get a quick snapshot. This was a few hours before the race. He didn’t look like he was in a good mood. Maybe I should give him some V power.

And then the night race happened. After hours of ear-splitting car screeches and much fanfare, a champion was proclaimed. Scuderia Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso emerged the big man in this year’s Grand Prix.

Just like fuels, not all men are created the same. Some are faster and more furious than the others.

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