Introduction
In 1998, Petrobras signed an agreement that represented a huge challenge to the company: Develop a high-tech fuel for the British AT&T Williams aiming at having the engine reach its top performance in practices and races.
The Cenpes (Petrobras’ Research Center), supported by the company’s refineries, is in charge of all of the fuel used in the team’s races and tests. There are some 50 Petrobras employees studying and helping to develop a high-tech fuel to power the AT&T Williams cars on the racetracks. There was a very special reason for the partnership: The company is working side-by-side with one of the biggest and most victorious Formula 1 teams, one that has already won nine world championships.
Every bit as important as showcasing the Petrobras brand worldwide is the opportunity the company has to use the F1 as a major new, high-tech product development lab, as was the case for the Podium Gasoline, which is the best fuel currently available in Brazil and even in Argentina, supporting the Petrobras’ internationalization strategy by winning new markets over.