McLaren-Honda truck team embarks on ExxonMobil efficiency challenge
Formula 1 racing team McLaren-Honda has teamed up with lubricant specialist ExxonMobil to host a driver efficiency challenge, designed to reward safe and fuel-efficient driving.
The challenge is open to all commercial vehicle drivers that support the McLaren-Honda team during the 2015 season, carrying the team’s race cars, kit, equipment and hospitality.
Sponsored by ExxonMobil’s heavy-duty diesel engine oil Mobil Delvac 1, the challenge launched with the Spanish Grand Prix on 8 May, and will run until the Italian Grand Prix on 4 September.
The contest, which is entering its third year, will see 17 truck drivers going toe-to-toe as they compete for maximum points, spanning seven races – including in Spain, Monaco, Austria, the UK, Hungary, Belgium and Italy.
Drivers are monitored for performance in the areas of pedal movement, engine operation, idle consumption and coasting, as well as an additional criterion for this year, braking as a percentage of the journey distance – and scored according to the Grand Prix system (e.g. 25 points for first place).
The prizes will include shopping vouchers and an engraved trophy to be awarded to the winner at a special dinner on 8 December. There will also be runner-up prizes to recognise outstanding effort.
The challenge coincides with Mobil Delvac’s 90th anniversary celebrations.
McLaren-Honda maintains its trucks’ engines and drivetrains with Mobil-branded synthetic lubricants. ExxonMobil says the Mobil Delvac 1 LE 5W-30 heavy-duty engine oil and Mobilube 1 SHC 75W-90 gear and rear axle oil play a decisive role in the efficiency challenge, citing UK-based tests which showed that the lubricants offer up to 2.9 per cent fuel efficiency.
Mobil Delvac 1 LE 5W-30 can meet the technical requirements of current and latest engines meeting Euro 6 emission limits, says ExxonMobil, as well as enhancing fuel economy potential; while Mobilube 1 SHC 75W-90 is a fully synthetic commercial gear lubricant suitable for total driveline application.
Eric Boullier, racing director for McLaren-Honda, said: “Formula 1 is a contest that hinges not just on raw power and speed, but also efficiency. We compete to cover the distance in the shortest possible time and the most aerodynamic car with the most efficient engine has the best chance of getting there first.
“Efficiency is part of McLaren’s DNA and ExxonMobil has consistently innovated to help us do more with less.”
Maciej Marcinowski, commercial vehicle lubricants marketing advisor at ExxonMobil, said: “The Mobil Delvac 1 Driver Efficiency Challenge continues to evolve and has become more and more competitive each year. We are looking forward to seeing how the fleet drivers perform this season.”
