The 2008 season sees Ducati introduce the latest MotoGP bike, the Desmosedici GP8. An evolution of the 2007 model, this bike gives the riders more power and better fuel economy than ever before. Developed in conjunction with Shell’s engineers, the Desmosedici GP8 will use a specially designed combination of Shell Racing V-Power MotoGP fuel and Shell Advance Ultra 4 MotoGP lubricant.

2007 was another milestone in MotoGP history with the introduction of new regulations to halt the ever rising speeds of bikes. Manufacturers had to cope with the lower limit in engine capacity, dropped from 990 cc to 800cc. Additionally, the fuel tank capacity was reduced by one more litre, giving a total of 21 litres to last the full race distance. Both these changes required significant input by the engineers to ensure the bikes comply with the rules while remaining competitive.

No new regulations were introduced for the 2008 season and Shell engineers have concentrated their efforts working alongside Ducati to ensure that the new Ducati Desmosedici GP8 bike maximises performance with the existing rules, ensuring that the bike remains as competitive as ever.

The Desmosedici GP8 engine has been significantly modified minimising friction and, increasing the power and responsiveness of the bike.

The chassis set-up has also been re-designed with a lighter frame with optimised flexural rigidity and a different rear suspension geometry reducing the ‘pumping’ effect.

Shell’s technical partnership with Ducati has helped to achieve these improvements on the engine as the Shell team helped Ducati to work at reducing friction in the engine, giving the bike more power and heightened responsiveness, even in the most extreme conditions. They do this by using a special blend of Shell V-Power fuel and Shell Advance Ultra 4 lubricant to protect the engine and reduce power loss due to friction.

Over the past few years, the unique blend used by Shell with its Friction Modifier technology has become the product of choice for the Ducati MotoGP team. The special blend of Shell V-Power fuel and Shell Advance Ultra 4 lubricant has been proven to withstand immense pressures during each session on the track - protecting the engine and reducing power loss during each session on the track.

The high performance engine in the Desmosedici GP8 provides the perfect testing ground for Shell’s engineers to update and improve their fuels and oils before transferring the information and technology into the road products available to every Shell customer around the world.

Indirect Magneti Marelli electronic injection, four throttle bodies with injectors above butterfly valves.
Throttles operated by EVO TCF (Throttle Control & Feedback) system.