Olivier Lete, distributor and rider: an example of experiencing performance both on and off the track

At 7, he started his first motorcycle, in 2016 he was champion of Gabon, and has now participated in the Rallye du Maroc. Don't miss this interview.

At the age of seven, Olivier Lete got on a PW50 and discovered feelings that would mark him forever. "The adrenaline and freedom captivated me," recalls the Gabonese. Afterwards, his father took him to a circuit for the first time: "Without him, I probably wouldn't have become a rider."

Those were the foundations and, after a lot of work and discipline, Lete has managed to win the Gabonese motocross championship (2016) and compete in Morocco, France, Bulgaria, and Madagascar. Today, he is also a distributor of Repsol Lubricants in his country: at Diesel Gabon, he translates what he learned on the track into advice that protects engines and journeys.

From the track to the repair shop

When Lete talks about lubricants, he does so from direct experience in a discipline where terrain and climate make the difference. "In Morocco, the heat and sand demand a smoother ride. In Europe, the terrain is more technical and colder. In Gabon and Madagascar, humidity has a great influence on the engine," says Lete.

Be that as it may, the Gabonese rider asks for three things from an oil: protection, thermal stability, and performance. "If a lubricant does not protect well in high temperatures, the engine wears out faster, loses performance, and consumes more," he explains before giving an example of his day to day: "I explain to customers that a good lubricant is the one that guarantees the useful life of their engine. For example, Repsol lubricants are more resistant to extreme temperatures, protecting the vehicle even in the most demanding conditions."

In any case, the number of motorcycles in Gabon is small, since cars and trucks dominate there. "Local consumers are looking for reliability, products that withstand heat and humidity, and good value for money," says Lete, who highlights the role of Repsol Lubricants. "Their experience in competition is clearly reflected in their products," he highlights.

In addition, when working with the brand, they not only value quality and reliability, but also assistance in technical support. "If I had to advise those who start distributing, I would 200% recommend Repsol Lubricants," he states.

Looking ahead, Lete will continue to divide between the helmet and the repair shop. “I'm going to do intensive training all year, because I want to go back to rallying even stronger,” he says. At the same time, he will continue to accompany his customers with training and advice to strengthen Repsol's presence in Gabon. It is the same logic applied to both scenarios: constant work, evidence, and closeness.

In the end, Lete defines "experiencing performance" as an everyday practice. "It means surpassing myself every day, both as a rider and in my work." This is where the science that takes care of the heart of the engine and the knowledge that brings peace of mind coexist, whether on the track or in the repair shop.