BILSTEIN and RAVENOL Form Technical Partnership in Motorsport
BILSTEIN MOTORSPORT, renowned for its expertise in shock absorbers and suspension systems, has entered a multi-year technical partnership with German oil specialist RAVENOL. This collaboration will see the engineering teams of both companies working closely together to develop tailored solutions that meet the extreme demands of motorsport teams and drivers. Their shared objective: pushing the limits of performance.
Precision Engineering at the Nürburgring
High-performance shock absorber development takes place at Bilstein’s state-of-the-art Competence Center in Meuspath, near the Nürburgring. Utilising one of Europe’s most advanced 7-post test rigs, Bilstein fine-tunes suspension setups to match specific customer needs and track conditions. This rigorous pre-development process ensures that test drivers receive a system requiring only minimal adjustments to achieve optimal results.
The Critical Role of High-Performance Oils
In motorsport, shock absorbers endure extreme stress and high temperatures—especially on demanding tracks like the 'Ring’s Nordschleife. The damping oil must maintain stability under these conditions, preventing thinning or foaming, which would compromise gas pressure and overall suspension performance. Equally, the oil must ensure optimal responsiveness in cold conditions. This is why Bilstein values the expertise of leading oil manufacturers like Ravenol as essential development partners.
Ravenol is a globally recognised lubricant brand, known for delivering high-performance oils tailored for the extreme conditions of motorsport. As part of this partnership, Ravenol has been named “Official Lubricants Partner” of Bilstein, supplying specialised oils that enhance durability and performance.
Pushing the Boundaries of Performance
“This partnership is a significant step forward for us,” says Martin Flick, Head of Motorsport at thyssenkrupp Bilstein. “Collaborating with RAVENOL allows us to integrate high-performance lubricants into our damper systems, enhancing both performance and driver safety. Our goal is to redefine the boundaries of what’s possible in motorsport suspension technology.”
Dimitri Barichnowski, Communications Manager & Brand Partnerships at RAVENOL, adds: “It makes perfect sense for us to work together behind the scenes of motorsport. Not only do we, as manufacturers, benefit, but more importantly, so do the racing teams who rely on our expertise.”
A Legacy of Innovation
Bilstein has been a pioneer in damping technology since 1954, introducing the first gas pressure shock absorbers for production vehicles. The company has played a vital role in motorsport ever since, securing countless podiums and championship titles across various racing disciplines. With roots in rallying, Bilstein’s technologies were first adopted by OEMs before being refined for circuit racing—cementing its status as a key player in high-performance motorsport suspension.
