In 1954, to support the launch of MOTUL Century, the first truly multi-grade oil to be sold in Europe, the renowned lubricant company placed advertising banners and posters all around the 24 Hours of Le Mans track. Now, 61 years later, the bond between MOTUL and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), the founder and promoter of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, has not only endured but has become yet stronger with the announcement that MOTUL has been appointed as official lubricant partner to the ACO.

Announced just before the start of the 2015 24 Hours Moto by President of the ACO, Monsieur Pierre Fillon, and President of the Management Board of MOTUL, Monsieur Hervé Amelot, the new partnership sets in stone the close working relationship enjoyed by both parties over the decades.  MOTUL has enjoyed an ever-strengthening presence at all the key events held at the Le Mans track in the Sarthe region of France including the 24 Hours Moto and Auto races, the Le Mans Classic and the MotoGP Grand Prix of France. 

In addition to support of these events, and strong technical partnerships with many of the competitors within them, MOTUL’s highly recognisable red and while colours are seen on a grandstand and signage at the Virage du Raccordement, the famous grid girls at the 24 Hours Moto and 24 Hours of Le Mans and throughout the drivers’ parade which takes place in the centre of Le Mans the evening before June’s twice-round-the-clock car race. 

First and foremost, however, and driving the lubricant company on in its technological quest for performance, endurance, reliability and quality is the relationship MOTUL has with its partners. To that end, the MOTUL name has been carried by more than 210 cars since the creation of the 24 Hours of Le Mans – all of which have benefited from the use of its lubricants and other products.

The new MOTUL-ACO partnership will go yet further to reinforce the presence of the international lubricant specialist as it will now cover the Circuit Alain Prost karting track and the training schools which will use the full Motorsport Line (cars) and Factory Line (motorcycles) ranges for their vehicles and bikes. Within these ranges of products is the celebrated 300V which has been used in competition at Le Mans since it was first launched in 1971. In addition to the above, MOTUL’s name will also be aligned with the Fête de l’ACO celebrations on 3-5 July and the ACO’s new driving simulator which was installed in 2014.

The link between the two French-based/globally-recognised companies is long-held and fundamental. They both have a deep-rooted passion for endurance racing and, for MOTUL, the discipline continues to be a living laboratory for the products of tomorrow which will benefit competitors and the man on the street equally.