Ferrari and Shell ink new five-year deal

Ferrari and Shell have extended their partnership, the oldest in Formula 1, for a further five years.

The announcement came on the eve of Sunday's Italian Grand Prix at Monza - the Scuderia's home race - and will see the pair "work closer together than ever before, not only at the top of Formula 1, but across a number of different projects."

Ferrari and Shell's technical partnership dates back to the 1930s, 20 years before the first F1 race was held at Silverstone in May 1950.

"The signing of this contract is another step forward on the path to stability, and we are delighted to work with Shell on an extended basis," said Ferrari team principal Maurizio Arrivabene.

"Historically the engine is at the very core of Ferrari, which means that everything we do with Shell is working around our heritage as an engine constructor. Already this season the work that Shell has done has contributed to our wins in Malaysia and Hungary, which is proof of not only a professional commitment, but is also the result of a great partnership as well."

Istvan Kapitany, Shell Retail's executive vice president, added: "Shell has helped drive Scuderia Ferrari to more success than any other team in the sport's history, and for that we are very proud.

"Formula 1 is a world-class test bed where we are able to develop the fuels and motor oils that should give Scuderia Ferrari a competitive edge.

"These advances in product science also make their way into the vehicles of motorists across the globe. With the help of some of the greatest scientific and business minds in the industry, we hope to achieve great things with Scuderia Ferrari as a result of this rejuvenated partnership."

As part of the new agreement, Shell has now committed to "continue to dedicate at least 21,000 man hours and 50 full time technical staff to the Innovation Partnership every year" and will have a permanent technical staff presence at Ferrari's Maranello headquarters going forward, "a measure of the increased collaboration to come between the two companies".

Also Shell's partnership with Ferrari will stretch beyond F1, with Shell set to provide fuel and lubricants to Ferrari GT teams entering the FIA World Endurance Championship and the Le Mans 24 Hours.

In addition, Ferrari will support Shell's global Eco-marathon programme, offering members of the successful teams a four-week internship in Maranello.