Castrol Dakar Rally support to inform future lubricant development
Castrol has supplied a full portfolio of its fluids and lubricants to MM Technology to support one of the largest ever truck rallying programmes at the Dakar Rally for the 2026 season.
MM Technology fielded nine MM Technology Evo rally raid trucks at Dakar 2026, along with a further 10 support vehicles that provided back-up to MM Technology’s factory team.
“Many of these vehicles relied on Castrol engine oils, greases, brake fluids, coolants, transmission fluids and differential oils to maintain performance and reliability while taking on some of the most extreme conditions in world motorsport,” said the lubricant specialist.
“The Dakar 2026 programme underscores Castrol’s commitment to developing lubricants and greases for over 125 years, with the analysis set to guide Castrol’s future truck product development.”
Regular oil checks took place throughout the rally, with samples sent for analysis to Castrol’s research and development located in Pangbourne, Berkshire. This monitoring process will help identify signs of wear and thermal stress or contamination from the rally, while also informing future innovation across Castrol’s commercial vehicle lubricant portfolio.
“Castrol supplied Castrol Vecton Special 10W-60, a racing-grade engine oil that helped to protect the MM Technology factory team’s Evo4 racer, as the engine’s internal temperatures can regularly reach as high as 120°C,” the company explained.
“Castrol also supplied Transmax 75W-140 transmission fluid and TranSynd ATF to help the Evo4 truck deliver quick-fire and reliable gear changes throughout the rally, with the Allison transmission reaching temperatures of up to 130°C.”
To support MM Technology’s fleet of service and logistics vehicles, which includes four trucks with three trailers, three camper vans and three media passenger cars, Castrol also supplied Castrol Vecton Long Drain 10W-40 E7 commercial vehicle engine oil, designed to help extend the durability of the trucks and provide continuous operational support.
“The nine trucks dealt with extreme dust, shock and heat – up to 800°C for the brakes – across thousands of kilometres of unforgiving desert, meaning every component needed to operate in harmony, and lubrication and thermal management were critical. While Castrol’s products are not specifically designed for rally-raid events, the company’s involvement means that trucks will benefit from scientifically engineered protection designed to withstand the extreme mechanical demands of the desert.”
