N°1

MOTORSPORT
news
16 pages of highlights detailing the global and
local motorsport activities involving
the FUCHS brand.
Displaying great willpower,
the two FUCHS teams joined the 530 teams
participating in the Dakar Rally to meet the challenges
presented by the world’s most demanding rally
over the course of fourteen days.
N°1
2009
100% SUD-OUEST TEAM
DAKAR 2009 / ARGENTINA / CHILE
THE 31ST DAKAR
RALLY – AN EXTREME TEST
THE DAKAR RALLY:
“We require lubricants which are able to
withstand high temperatures for 16 to 20
hours a day out on the course. The high
quality and reliability of the FUCHS lubricants made it possible to meet these high
requirements.”
BEYOND COMPARISON
In Buenos Aires, 530 teams from 49 countries lined up on
the starting grid seeking to get an adrenaline kick from
driving the 9,500 km long rally.
Two FUCHS teams set out on this extreme adventure
and competed against the best drivers in the world. They
were able to draw on their experiences from numerous
previous rallies and several previous entries in the Dakar
Rally.
The plains of Patagonia, the Atacama Desert and crossing
the Cordilleras provided a very stern test for the drivers
and also for the total of 820 rally and service vehicles
participating in the rally.
DAKAR RALLY 2009
Start of 1st stage:
Competitors: 81 trucks – 177 vehicles
Arrival on 14th stage:
Competitors: 54 trucks – 91 vehicles
In order to be able to participate in this rally,
FUCHS customers were entrusted with the
task of preparing the truck and the vehicles.
„Our aim was to get to the end, and we
did everything to achieve this. Every single
kilometer was an effort. It was difficult to
maneuver the truck around the bends.
We were then confronted by endless sand
dunes in which the vehicles got stuck on
several occasions. It was not easy to handle
the stress resulting from the countless diffi-
culties we faced on this slightly different
version of Dakar, but we managed it“.
The team’s drivers:
Michel Boucou / Didier Belivier/ José Martins:
Renault Kerax 380 – Racing number 564
Philippe Bernat-Salles / Gilles Lafeuillade:
Bowler Wildcart 200 – Racing number 412
Jérôme Laraignou / Stéphane Gallo:
Mitsubishi Pajero – Racing number 413
Christian Califano:
Yamaha 450 WRF – Racing number 83
Franck Cornille:
Yamaha 450 WRF – Racing number 64
FUCHS lubricants used by the team:
TITAN TRUCK 15W-40
TITAN GEAR HYP
LABO SYNTHA PRESTIGE 10W-60
CONGRATULATIONS!
ANCE
4th stage: Very rocky and difficult terrain for the motorbike riders. Cornille breaks his wrist,
Califano has to have stitches.
Ranking: No. 412: 61st place – No. 413: 128th place – No. 564: 62nd place
OMEGA TEAM
5th stage: “We got stuck in a sandy ditch along with other competitors.
A helicopter had to search for an alternative route for us.”
Ranking: No. 412: 60th place – No. 413: 126th place – No. 564: 61st place
A UNIQUE ADVENTURE
PRESENTING GREAT CHALLENGES
8th stage: “We expected the worst because of the numerous punctures we suffered.”
Ranking: No. 412: 78th place – No. 413: 54th place – No. 564: 56th place
„The many months of preparation and competing in
rallies in Europe allowed us to fine-tune the material“.
The drivers set out on the extremely demanding route
covered by the fourteen-day rally without having the
opportunity to explore it beforehand. „It is the most
demanding race in the world and it is much more
challenging than even the Dakar Rally in Africa“.
14th stage: Three vehicles manage to finish:
No. 412: 72nd place – No. 413: 86th place – No. 564: 47th place
The mechanics, who have been using FUCHS lubricants
for ten years now, were all in agreement: “It was thanks
to the high quality of the engine oil from FUCHS that
our vehicles were able to deliver such a high level of
performance. It is a crucial factor in vehicle development. All lubricants are very reliable and able to withstand the most extreme conditions.”
LOGBOOK
The team’s drivers:
2nd stage: No. 397: 73rd place
Michel Turon-Barrère / Jean-Marc Monbeig:
Buggy Seat Evolution 3 – Racing number 364
5th stage: „Violent storms made the terrain
impossible to drive on. Fatigue and various
incidents (numerous punctures and
instances of material damage)
set us back in the field, but
they did not dampen our
motivation“.
No. 397: 76th place
8th stage:
No. 397: 80th place
10th stage: Demotion
after missing a checkpoint.
2
10th stage: “The truck got stuck in the sand, and we had to find our way in the dark.”
Ranking: No. 412: 72nd place – No. 413: 84th place – No. 564: 49th place.
Jean-Marc Ayala / Joël Clévenot:
Toyota HDJ 80 – Racing number 471
Jean-Marc Despujols / Franck Puchouau:
Toyota HDJ 100 – Racing number 397
FUCHS lubricants used by the team:
LABO SYNTHA PRESTIGE 10W-60
TITAN Supersyn LONGLIFE PLUS SAE 0W-30
TITAN TRUCK PLUS SAE 15W-40
TITAN SINTOPOID SAE 75W-90
FRICOFIN
FUCHS LAVE GLACE
3
AT MOTOREN
FIM MX1/MX2 Motocross World Championship 2009
French MX Elite Championship 2009
BRL Racing League Competition
VUILLEMIN
PROOF IN
PREVAILS
PERFORMANCE
David Vuillemin, award-winning rider in the Supercross in Bercy and winner of the SX tour of Barcelona, made an impressive return to European
tracks after many years spent in the USA.
“My aims for 2009 are to win the French Championship and to come in the top three in the MX1
World Championship.”
The team used the products from FUCHS Silkolene
for the first time in Bercy. “Our aim in the World Championship is to secure a place on the winners’ podium. When it comes to
performance, we use the best lubricants. Tests have shown that Silkolene PRO 4 SX retained all its properties. We were very happy
with this result and we can hardly wait to test the fork oil from Silkolene, which is regarded as one of the best around.”
FUCHS Silkolene products used by the team: Silkolene PRO 4 SX SAE 10W-40
Factory riders from Kawasaki Europe: David Vuillemin: Kawasaki 450 KX-F
Gautier Paulin: Kawasaki 250 KX-F
FRANCE
SILKONEIGE TROPHY
4
The 4-hour Quad Race 2009
French Quad Championship on Ice 2009
24-Hour Ice Race 2009
French Ice Championship 2009
M ASTERS
For the fourth year in a row, FUCHS is
now committed as an official partner
for lubricants at DGO. In the eleven
races in the 2009 season, the best quad
riders (85 to 1000 cc) compete against
each other on the track or on ice.
Alongside this, the Silkoneige Trophy
was also contested. The ice races were
held on tracks which were approved
by the “Fédération Française”.
Roughly 50 riders who had been
selected by the authorized Silkolene
dealers took part in these races. This
formula was contested in four races
in the Alps in order to produce the
“French champion”.
* Organizer of the quad championships on ice
ON A ICY TRACK
Since it was established in 2007,
this team has contested each of the
seven races which take place each
year in the Netherlands, Belgium and
Germany.
“Our aim for 2009 is to achieve one
or two places on the winners’ podium
in each race. The competition is very
tough as the 40 vehicles participating
in each race are identical. This means
that we have to set ourselves apart
from the others by working effectively
to improve our reliability. The drivers
benefit from having experienced ins-
tructors and this helps them to improve their levels of performance. A
great challenge awaits us and we will
give our all.”
Tonnie Troeijen, whose team is sponsored by FUCHS, is very familiar with
these lubricants: “I have fifteen years’
experience of working with the products from FUCHS which I was able
to gain from kart races and in other
motorsport categories. They are really
good and this is why we decided to
incorporate them into our package.”
Drivers:
Leo Kurstjens, Johan Van Beek,
Frank Gielen, Rene Zwikker.
Vehicles: BRL Light, chassis built in England,
polyester body from the Ford Focus,
engine from Ford 240 hp,
sequential 6-speed gearbox.
FUCHS lubricants used by the team:
Silkolene PRO SRG 75 SAE 75W
Silkolene PRO 4 10W-50
Silkolene PRO BOOST
Silkolene PRO RACE 2000
NETHERLANDS
KAWASAKI BUD RACING TEAM
5
ORTEMA FUCHS TEAM
HUMMER RACING TEAM
Endurance World Championship
German Endurance Championship
German Off-Road Championship
International Off-Road Championship
NUMEROUS
WILLPOWER
AND SUCCESS
Despite a relatively difficult season in 2008, the Ortema
FUCHS team was able to secure several titles. “In 2009, we
want to secure the maximum possible number of victories in
the Endurance World Championship and we want to make no
mistakes whatsoever.” The two key points for the team to focus
on are work and stamina. Each rider has already defined their
own strategy for optimizing their own performance.
“We are very proud that we accepted the toughest off-road
challenge and reached the finish line thanks to our great resolve
and determination.”
The team, which consists of one driver and one co-driver and is
supported during its grueling tests by a service team comprising six
to 40 people, faced a stern test. “The set-up of the H1 was modified
and improved after each race. It is heavy and lethargic and our
mechanics have to summon up all their skill to make the Hummer
competitive on all kinds of track and terrain - sand, gravel and water.
As the team prepares perfectly, puts the vehicle through numerous
tests and is highly motivated, we are successful.” In 2009, the team
will be competing in a dozen rallies: Berlin, through the Sahara,
Mexico.
The team has been sponsored by FUCHS since 2006 and Uwe Zirbes,
manager and driver, is very happy with his choice: “I am very satisfied
with the lubricants from FUCHS and also the advice provided and the
direct collaboration with the development service from FUCHS.”
PODIUM FINISHES
Jörg Tebbe says: “I am relying on further advances to my motorbike and I will improve my own physique.” For Stephan Katt,
it is all about continuing to improve his technique as a rider.
GERMANY
Sirg Schützbach, by contrast, is working on his start, which is
crucial for his sprints. As far as Max Dilger is concerned, he is
relying on his experience to make progress.
6
After several seasons, the mechanics are agreed on the high
quality of the lubricants produced by FUCHS: “They guarantee
an excellent level of performance, which is crucial during
races.”
Titles in 2008:
Team World Championship
German Endurance Championship
Second place in the Czech Endurance Championship
Silver Helmet from the ADAC
German U21 Speedway Championship
Racing Hummer H1 with 650 hp
V8 big-block engine
Dead weight: 3070 kg
875 NM at 2000 to 3000 rpm
Racing Hummer H1 with 350 hp
6.5 l V8 turbo diesel engine
4 seats, load capacity: 1100 kg
Dead weight: 3570 kg
635 NM at 2000 to 3000 rpm
FUCHS lubricants used
by the team:
TITAN Supersyn SAE 5W-40
TITAN SUPERGEAR MC SAE 80W-90
TITAN ATF 4000
ANTICORIT SYNTH
TITAN UNIVERSAL HD SAE 15W-40
FUCHS lubricants used by the team:
TITAN GT1 SAE 0W-20
Silkolene CHAIN LUBE
Silkolene PRO PEP
Silkolene ALL-IN-ONE
Silkolene ENGINE CLEANER
7
ERICA GALLINA
DK FUCHS RACING
Coppa d’Italia Karting ACI-CSAI Open Masters
Greek Scramble Championship
Greek Motocross Cup
Greek Enduro Championship
THE STUFF THAT
CHAMPIONS
ARE MADE OF
Erica Gallina was born in 1994 and she competed in her first kart race at the age of just five. She
began racing in 2001 and she claimed an impressive third-place finish. She recorded more and more
victories after this. She has been competing in the Coppa d’Italia for two years. Every year the best
drivers and the most renowned constructors compete in this prestigious cup, which is contested
over six races.
LOTS OF
LAUREL WREATHS
2008 was a very successful year for this team, which consists
of nine riders, with five victories, three second-place finishes
and three third-place finishes. “We want to claim even more
victories in 2009.” The team’s great champion, Keramidas
Dimitris, has claimed fourteen titles in five years.
“It is very difficult to remain at the head of the field over
several racing seasons; this requires a continuous level of
motivation. To achieve this, I lead an exemplary lifestyle and
train regularly because I need to demonstrate endurance and
the ability to react quickly out on the race track. In some
races, I even have to go beyond my own limits.” The team’s
three mechanics learnt the basics during their training and
they have demonstrated their great skill in the races. They
have been sponsored by FUCHS for ten years and they are
very happy with the lubricants.
“Despite the extreme strain they are placed under, the lubricants ensure that the bikes are able to maintain a high level
of performance. Every time we change the oil we see that the
oil is still in a very good condition.”
FUCHS lubricants used by the team:
Silkolene PRO 4 PLUS SAE 10W-50, Silkolene CHAIN LUBE
Silkolene CARB CLEANER, Silkolene ALL-IN-ONE
Silkolene SILKOPEN, Silkolene PRO 2 SX
Silkolene PRO SRG 75 SAE 75W, Silkolene FOAM FILTER OIL
Silkolene TITANIUM CHAIN GEL
Erica Gallina’s team manager and mechanic is her father, who always remains steadfastly at her side.
In view of the other well-structured teams, this team, which only comprises two people, claimed
third place in the overall standings in the kf3 category for women the very first time it competed.
“We are very proud of our performance.”
I TA LY
FUCHS lubricants used by the team:
Silkolene PRO BOOST
Silkolene PRO KR 2
Silkolene TITANIUM CHAIN GEL
8
9
FRANKY ZORN
S-BERG RACING TEAM
Ice Speedway World Championship
European Championship
FIA GT3 European Championship
In the 2008 season finale, Dominik Kraihamer (19 years
old) recorded the ninth best time in the qualification
heats on the race track in Dubai. In his first participation in this championship, he was rewarded on four
occasions for crossing the finish line in first place in his
Lamborghini Gallardo. “
In 2009 we will build an even more
competitive car so that our drivers
have an even better chance
of success,” says Hans
Weitgasser, the team
manager.
Franky Zorn won numerous national titles and the European Championship in
2008 and he is aiming to come in the top three in the 2009 World Championship. Thanks to the hard work he put in before the start of the season, the FUCHS
rider successfully managed to build two new motorbikes and develop a stateof-the-art engine. In Sweden, the performance of the bikes was tested under
extreme conditions. Franky’s intensive training regime means that he is able to
compete with the best riders around the world. In the current season, he has
won the three races in the Santa Cup and his second-place finish in Saalfelden
represented the first step towards qualifying for the World Championship.
“We have been using FUCHS products for ten years now and we are extremely
happy with the performance that these lubricants give us. The quality of these
lubricants together with the professionalism of the FUCHS team ensures that we
are able to claim our many victories.”
FUCHS lubricants used by the team:
Silkolene CASTORENE R40S
Silkolene PRO CHAIN
Silkolene ALL-IN-ONE
TITAN GT1 LONGLIFE III SAE 5W-30
NOMINATIONS
FUCHS lubricants used by the team:
TITAN Supersyn PLUS 5W-40, TITAN SINTOPOID LS 75W-140, MAINTAIN DOT 5.1
AUSTRIA
HANS N. ANDERSEN
10
60th Speedway Golden Helmet
FIM Speedway World Championship 2009
Danish World Cup
DOUBLE VICTORY
ECH
BLIC
FIRST SUCCESSES
FOUR
FOR
ANDERSEN
The winner of the Danish World Cup,
Hans N. Andersen, claimed his second
title in 2008 when he won the Speedway
Golden Helmet in Pardubice. The star
rider from Denmark left his high-caliber
opponents in his wake in front of 15,000
spectators on his Jawa-built motorbike
which uses FUCHS Silkolene lubricants.
His fifth-place finish in the 2008 Speedway
World Championship means that he can
count himself as one of the best riders in
Europe and he can compete in the eleven
Grand Prix races in 2009.
11
National South African Drag Racing Championship
NATIONAL BIKERS
WEEKEND
BRONZE MEDAL
FUCHS
12
Putting his twelve years of experience to good
use, Allan Barker was able to claim an outstanding
third-place finish among 180 competitors in front of
20,000 spectators in 2008.
“This championship is a great thrill for me and I
am particularly delighted about finishing on the
podium (five of six races) because the vehicle was
built in our own workshop. Our five mechanics
work to continuously improve the components in
the engine and they perform lots of test runs. This
highly technical engine requires a great level of
skill, which was acquired from the NHRA*. “Prior to
the race, we adjust the set-up to reflect the weather
and the conditions out on the track. The results we
achieved in 2008 give us the confidence to aim for
the title in 2009.” FUCHS has been a partner to
the team since 2005, and it is very happy with the
results that have been achieved.
“We have noticed a definite reduction in the level
of wear on the engine components.”
* National Hot Rod Association of America
FUCHS lubricants used by the team:
TITAN CARGO MC SAE 10W-40
TITAN ATF 3000
ANTICORIT S 2000 A
IN POLE
POSITION
FUCHS presented itself as the official lubricant partner
at the first National Bikers Weekend.
This new event highlight in Singapore is the biggest
event for motorcycling fans. Thousands of participants,
both amateurs and professionals, came together to
celebrate motorcycling culture. Entertaining events
and numerous presentation stands provided novices
with the opportunity to get excited about the world
of motorcycling. The highlight of this event was the
unveiling of the 2009 models from the major motorbike
manufacturers such as Yamaha and Aprilia.
To round off this exceptional weekend, the international
superstar among stunt performers, Oliver Ronzheimer,
who also has an entry in the Guinness Book of Records,
delivered a breathtaking show and in doing so surpassed
himself.
“Our commitment to this new event allowed us to leave
a lasting impression on the people attending it and to
increase the level of awareness of the FUCHS brand in
the automotive sector as well.”
PORE
SOUTH AFRICA
TITAN FUCHS DRAG CAR
13
FUCHS
AUSTRALIAN
NATIONALS
SPRINT GAS RACING TEAM
FUCHS TOP FUEL DRAGSTER TEAM
Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000
COURAGE AND DETERMINATION
IN HONOR
OF FUCHS
various stalls. The wide range of fringe events covering
all aspects of FUCHS lubricants were well received by the
excited crowd. “We were very happy with our presence at
this fascinating event because it allowed us to increase
the profile of the FUCHS brand, benefit from the extensive
TV coverage and increase the level of confidence among
consumers.”
The great dedication of the FUCHS brand was also supported by the outstanding performances of the drivers
driving for FUCHS, Phil Read and Phil Lamattina.
This event concluded with an impressive performance by
Phil Lamattina from the FUCHS Top Fuel Dragster Team in
his dragster. The FUCHS driver was feted with rapturous
applause by thousands of spectators.
The two teams, which have been using FUCHS lubricants for
many years, are agreed: “The lubricants from FUCHS are a
key component of our success.”
AUSTRALIA
The key drivers from the world of dragster sport competed
in the FUCHS Australian Nationals, which were held in
Sydney.
This exceptional event took place in front of 40,000 excited
spectators. More than 121 drivers competed against one
another in these races and they attempted to set new
speed records.
FUCHS put its stamp on this prestigious event in its
capacity as an official partner. FUCHS had a presence out
on the race track, in the stand, in the paddock and with
This was a fantastic weekend for the FUCHS drivers because
despite problems with the engine and the clutch Greg
Murphy and Jason Richards were able to show their great
professionalism and claim second place.
“Murphy overtook his rival with an extremely daring move
and this allowed him to secure second place. We lacked a
little bit of power, otherwise we would have been able to
push for victory.” The duo was also able to gain plaudits for
setting the first two records for the fastest lap in Bathurst.
14
15
HMC KTM TEAM
The AMA Supermoto Championship
A FANTASTIC DOUBLE
VICTORY
2008 was a brilliant season for this team, which in twelve
races claimed two first places and a total of ten podium
finishes as well as the constructors’ championship. HMC
was founded back in 1975 and since 2003 it has been the
official KTM Supermoto factory team. The two riders, Troy
Herfoss and Chris Fillmore, are driven by what they feel is
their calling to motorsport. “The Supermoto races are the
most exciting version of motorbike racing because they
combine track and off-road terrain. The riders need to be
excellent in both disciplines and the motorbikes need to
be specially prepared to cope with this dual burden. It is
a very demanding sport, and this is why any victory is so
satisfying. “FUCHS Silkolene has been a partner for eight
years, and the five mechanics very much appreciate the
products from FUCHS. “To be able to win races, we need
performance and reliability and the lubricants from FUCHS
offer the high level of quality we require. FUCHS Silkolene is
the main reason why we have been able to win the national
title fourteen times in twelve seasons.”
FUCHS lubricants used by the team:
Silkolene PRO R SAE 0W-20, Silkolene PRO 4 PLUS SAE 5W-40
Silkolene PRO CHAIN, Silkolene PRO COOL
Silkolene ALL-IN-ONE, Silkolene PRO PREP, Silkolene PRO WASH