Castrol is partnering with the Firemen Dakarteam for the 2025 Dakar Rally to test and develop its commercial vehicle lubricants. The one-year sponsorship will see the Netherlands-based team use Castrol products in their MM Technology-built truck, the same vehicle that won the truck category in the 2024 Dakar Rally.
During the three-week rally in Saudi Arabia (3-17 January), the truck, driven by Richard de Groot, will use Castrol lubricants supplied by Schouten Energy. Team mechanics will collect daily lubricant samples for analysis by Castrol’s research and development team in Pangbourne, UK. This data will inform the optimisation of existing lubricants and the development of future products.
The Dakar Rally is renowned for its extreme conditions, providing a rigorous test for vehicles and components. The 2025 route covers almost 8,000 kilometres, with trucks reaching speeds of up to 140 km/h across challenging desert terrain.
De Groot, a long-time Dakar competitor, finished ninth last year and sees this partnership as a key step in his team’s development.
Michael Baker, European Business Development Director at Castrol Europe, commented: “Every product in Castrol’s growing portfolio of advanced commercial vehicle oils, fluids and greases benefits from our 125-year heritage in the premium lubricants market. Truck manufacturers, operators and workshops know they can trust products bearing the Castrol brand to deliver quality and dependability – even when pushed to the limit – helping them improve operational efficiency and reduce downtime. We look forward to supporting Firemen Dakarteam as they take on another Dakar Rally challenge, undoubtedly one of the greatest tests of motorsport endurance.”
Castrol’s commercial vehicle lubricants, including Castrol VECTON with System Pro Technology™, Castrol CRB, and Castrol CRB Turbomax with Durashield™ Technology, are designed for demanding applications and offer high performance and protection. Castrol recently launched a new VECTON 5W-30 F-TRUCKS CK-4 lubricant for Ford Trucks.