Bengaluru, November,
2023.
ExxonMobil is elevating
India’s fast-growing motorsports sector by powering the Indian Racing Festival
this year, which features the first-ever F4 Indian Championship in the country
and the second season of the Indian Racing League (IRL), being held at
Chennai’s Madras International Circuit (MIC) and the new Formula Racing Circuit
(FCR).
This year will also
mark another first in India and South Asia – an exciting calendar of night
races at the FCR, located around the Island Grounds in the heart of the city.
This is part of
ExxonMobil’s second consecutive year of partnership with Racing Promotions Pvt
Ltd (RPPL), underpinned by its commitment to elevate the popularity and reach
of motorsports in the country and make it more affordable for all passionate
racers.
The partnership
with IRL was celebrated at the IRL Pre-Season Test at MIC, Chennai. At the
event, drivers showcased Mobil 1TMproducts, in addition to Mobil 1TMbranding
displayed prominently across the venue. ExxonMobil is lending confidence to the
racers with Mobil 1TM, which has an exceptional track-record in
providing outstanding engine performance – which is central to racing.
India's first
franchised-based motorsports league, the IRL Season 2 brings together seven
city-based teams. Bringing distinctive standards in competitive motor sporting,
IRL has carved a unique niche right from the first year in motor racing, as
India’s only four-wheel racing league and the world’s first gender neutral
racing championship. In addition to the excitement it offers for racing
enthusiasts, IRL also nurtures a new generation of talent for motorsports
through internship programs for car mechanics and mechanical engineering
students.
The F4 Indian
Championship further raises the bar for racing in India, with the grid
featuring 11 drivers who have the opportunity to win Super Licence points. The
event has attracted participants from around the world, turbocharging India to
the global league in motor-racing. Open for open wheel, formula racing cars
regulated according to FIA Formula 4 regulations, the event has flagged off to
great excitement.
Vipin Rana, CEO–ExxonMobil
Lubricants Pvt. Ltd., said: “India’s motorsports scene firing on all cylinders
with several passionate racers stepping into the limelight and leveraging the
opportunity offered by the Indian Racing Festival. Through our partnership with
RPPL, we arenot only building on the success of IRL Season 1 which elevated the
nation’s status in global motorsports, but also powering the first ever F4 Indian
Championship in the country, which will be a game changer for the sports.The
continued collaboration further underlines racer’s trust in Mobil 1TMto
deliver seamless performance for their powerful machines. In addition to
building a strong community of motorsports enthusiasts, we are highlighting the
values of confidence and true sportsmanship and empowering more young people to
pursue their passion for motorsports. The event will furtherspur the popularity
of motorsports in the country.”
Akhilesh Reddy,
Director MEIL and Chairman, RPPL, added: “IRL has defined its
credentials as the country’s only one-of-its-kind racing championship – not
only encouraging and inspiring more young people to follow motor sports but
also shaping a new ecosystem of gender-neutral racing for the first time in the
world. We are proud to collaborate with ExxonMobil for the second consecutive
year, reflecting our commitment to provide racers with the confidence they need
on track that Mobil 1TMassures for any model of racing car. With
this, we are also highlighting what goes into powering these machines –
lubricants and other products that lend energy and zest to the racers. The
partnership will further build a strong motor-racing culture in the country,
especially by providing youngers opportunities to pursue motorsports as a
career opportunity.”
ExxonMobil brings a
strong heritage in developing products that meet the needs of top-tier race
teams. Since 1915, ExxonMobil has tested its lubricant technology in racing,
helping riders improve performance and lap times. Most recently, Mobil1
turbo-charged the inaugural MotoGP Bharat for the 2023 Grand Prix.