As global hub for Petronas Lubricants International’s (PLI) R&T activity, the new center will be home to the company’s automotive and industrial technology testing capabilities and expertise.
It will focus on introducing new technologies, creating world-class infrastructure and developing industry-leading talent, and is expected to play a significant part in the development of fuels for the next generation of road car engines.
PLI is responsible for the design, development and delivery of the fluid technology solutions (FTS) that have powered Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport to four consecutive Drivers’ and Constructors’ titles. Andy Cowell, managing director of Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains and Toto Wolff, team principal and CEO of Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport, joined Lewis and Valtteri at the event.
Wolff said: “After visiting this state-of-the-art facility, and meeting the scientists who will be working here, it’s clear how committed Petronas is to investing in an even brighter future through research and technology.
“As a racing team, we are responsible for developing the next generation of technologies for the world’s leading automotive manufacturer – and our mission is mirrored by PLI’s new R&T center.”
His sentiments were echoed by Bottas, who stressed motorsport’s “responsibility to use energy in efficient ways”.
Turin is the latest in a series of R&T centers of excellence developed by PLI. It comes on the back of the company’s $100m investment in a lubricant blending plant and satellite R&T center for motorcycle lubricants at Patalganga in Maharashtra, India, and its 50% stake in the Guangxi Nanning Yuchai Petronas Lube Co Research & Development (R&D) Center in China’s Guangxi province.
