Shell and Ducati Celebrate 100 years of Ducati and 27 years of Partnership

Shell and Ducati have marked a historic milestone during World Ducati Week – Ducati’s 100th anniversary – alongside more than 27 years of technical partnership with Shell that has helped shape performance, innovation and success on track and on the road. 

For over two decades, the collaboration between Shell and Ducati has grown into one of the most successful technical partnerships in motorsport. Working side by side with Ducati Corse, Shell has supported the team with advanced lubricants technology, contributing to sustained competitive advantage at the highest levels of racing. 

The partnership began in the World Superbike Championship in 1999, expanded to MotoGP in 2003 and to MXGP and US Supercross in 2026. Since then, Shell and Ducati have built a relationship grounded in close collaboration, co-development and a shared ambition to push the limits of performance.

From track to road performance
At the heart of this collaboration are the Shell Advance technology – the only premium motorcycle engine oil technology recommended and used by Ducati Corse. and Shell V-Power – our most advanced, premium fuel that brings race-track innovation to the road, helping engines run smoother and stronger. 

MotoGP continues to serve as the ultimate testbed for Shell Advance technology and V-Power fuel, where lubricants and fuel are developed and proven under the most extreme racing conditions. Insights gained on track are applied directly to road-going products, ensuring that Shell and Ducati customers around the world benefit from the same expertise that powers championship-winning machines. 

Every Ducati road motorcycle produced in Italy and Thailand is first-filled with Shell motorcycle engine oil, reflecting the strength of the relationship and the trust placed in Shell’s lubricants technology. 

A partnership built on innovation

Shell and Ducati continue to collaborate closely to co-design advanced, high-performance lubricants tailored to Ducati engines, designed to enhance engine protection, efficiency and performance. The co-branded Ducati Genuine Oil powered by Shell Advance has been developed together with Ducati specifically for Ducati motorcycles, tested under extreme conditions to ensure performance, efficiency and long engine life. It is exclusively available at authorized Ducati dealerships. Through continuous innovation, the partnership has helped Shell maintain its position as a global leader in lubricants while supporting Ducati’s engineering excellence. 

Proven success on the world stage
Together, Shell and Ducati have achieved sustained success across MotoGP and World Superbike competition, including multiple Constructors’ and Riders’ Championships.  This success reflects a shared commitment to excellence, where the combination of Ducati’s engineering and Shell’s lubricants technology delivers consistent performance under pressure.

Looking ahead

As Ducati celebrates its centenary, Shell remains committed to advancing the technical partnership, building on 27 years of collaboration and continuing to drive innovation in motorcycle lubricants.  With motorsport as a platform for innovation and collaboration, Shell and Ducati will continue to develop technologies that enhance performance, efficiency and reliability – for riders on the track and on the road.

Jason Wong, EVP global lubricants at Shell said “Ducati’s 100-year milestone is a testament to a legacy of engineering excellence and passion for performance. Over the past 27 years, our partnership has grown into one of the most successful technical collaborations in motorsport. Together, we have pushed the boundaries of innovation through the Shell Advance lubricant technology, translating insights from the track into meaningful benefits for riders around the world. We are proud of what we have achieved together and excited about what lies ahead.”

Mauro Grassilli, Ducati Corse sporting director said “Celebrating 100 years of Ducati is a moment of immense pride for us, and our long-standing partnership with Shell has been an important part of that journey. For more than 27 years, we have worked side by side to develop high-performance solutions, with the Shell Advance technology playing a critical role both on the track and in our production motorcycles. Together, we have achieved remarkable success and continue to push the boundaries of performance and innovation.”

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