Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, drivers of the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team, inaugurated the new $60 million PETRONAS Global Research & Technology centre (R&T) in Turin, Italy, on March 14. The centre will be home to PETRONAS Lubricants International’s (PLI) automotive and industrial technology testing facilities.

PLI is responsible for the design, development and supply of its proprietary Fluid Technology Solutions (FTS), which has helped Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport win the Constructors’ Cup for four consecutive years.

Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas also presented the modern equipment of the Center, which will play a significant role in the development of fuel for new generation engines using technologies proven on the race track.

“This event brings together all areas of development of PETRONAS Lubricants International and demonstrates that the R&T center is the most advanced in the world,” said Giuseppe D’Arrigo, Group CEO of PETRONAS Lubricants International.

“Fluid Technology Solutions is the cornerstone of the technology that enables our partners, such as the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Motorsport team, to maximise their winning potential every time they take to the track. Our collaboration has been mutually beneficial for both PETRONAS and Mercedes in developing products for their customers,” said PETRONAS Vice President of Downstream Marketing Dato’ Sri Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohd Tahir.

PLI’s global business aspiration is anchored in technology as a fundamental feature for sustainable growth, focusing on the production of innovative products. The role of the new center in Turin will be to introduce new technologies, create world-class infrastructure and develop leadership positions.

“PETRONAS demonstrates through its participation in Formula 1 that it is a world leader in the global fluids industry and this new facility reflects the scale of the company’s ambitious development programme,” said Toto Wolf, CEO and General Manager of Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport.

“After visiting this state-of-the-art facility in Turin and meeting the talented scientists who will be working here, it is clear how PETRONAS is investing in an even brighter future through research and technology.”

“As a racing team, we are responsible for developing the next generation of technology for the world’s leading automotive manufacturer, and our mission is reflected in the new R&T PLI Global Center in Turin.”