Exclusive: David Tsurusaki (Red Bull/ExxonMobil) interview - Part 1

Engines are developed during the year and it has rarely happened that a team ‘runs out’ of area to progress in. How is that with fuel? How can you make sure you keep finding progression? And in addition to that, are there ever any ‘eureka!’-moments when developing fuels? If there are any, how would youdescribe their nature?

As we get to the end of a power unit era it does become more and more difficult to find new improvements. Fortunately for ExxonMobil and Aston Martin Red Bull Racing we have had good success in the past with the Renault engine and more recently with the Honda engine. I believe our long history in F1 and our expertise in fuel technology and combustion science allows our team to align the best fuel formulations for the specific engine design. As long as
there are changes in engine design, combustion pressures and speeds, we are able to fine- tune the fuels to maximize the power and efficiency of the engine. Not quite Eureka moments but we are continuously excited when we find new areas of improvement.

Are there any differences between the requests for fuel/lubricants between Scuderia Toro Rosso and Red Bull Racing? As in, does STR want something else entirely, than what gets supplied to Red Bull?

Last year with Scuderia Toro Rosso using the Honda engine and Aston Martin Red Bull Racing using the Renault engine, we did have separate Esso Synergy race fuel and Mobil 1 engine oils. With a common power unit now being used by both Red Bull teams, and current exclusivity between Red Bull, Honda and ExxonMobil, we are able to focus on one power unit to maximize the best possible Esso Synergy race fuel and Mobil 1 engine oil for both teams and all four Red Bull cars. Esso Synergy race fuel and Mobil 1 engine oils are exactly the same for both teams in addition to the Mobil 1 Gear Oil, Mobil Synthetic Hydraulic Oil, and Mobil Synthetic Greases.

Is the fuel development by ExxonMobil for F1 cars of any use, for the fuel developments targeted at regular road car fuel? If so, to what extent?

The Global Motorsports Team works for ExxonMobil Research and Engineering (EMRE) based in Clinton, NJ, USA and our F1 Motorsports Technology team is made up of members of EMRE that also provide engineering expertise on current and future commercial product technology. ExxonMobil is actively involved in F1 due to the ability to work, develop and test innovative product technologies with the most advanced engine technology. This allows us to stay ahead of future trends in combustion and powertrain technologies and is one of the main reasons we invest in F1.