A future Hydrogen category at the 24 Hours of Le Mans

While the Centenary of 24 Hours of Le Mans is looming, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) is preparing the future of the Sarthe classic. 

Since 2018, the ACO has been deploying its Hydrogen strategy, aiming for a category dedicated to this new technology at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. With MissionH24, GreenGT and the FIA, research is being carried out, particularly with regard to safety, performance and even refueling structures to make this introduction to racing a reality. The organizer therefore hopes for a Hydrogen category in Sarthe by 2025-2026. 

« Since 2018, the Hydrogen ecosystem has evolved enormously, declares Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest. We learn by walking, by riding. We discover. This is the objective of our MissionH24, clearly announced five years ago. The fuel cell was initially chosen for its potential, and is still relevant today. Today, the hydrogen engine also presents itself as a possibility for manufacturers. The regulations for the 24 Hours of Le Mans have always advocated freedom and variety. As such, we are therefore officially announcing that the two technologies, fuel cell and hydrogen combustion engine, will be accepted and authorized for manufacturers wishing to enter the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the Hydrogen category. I would like to highlight the tremendous work carried out in collaboration by MissionH24, the ACO and the FIA ​​teams. We are all aware of the challenges for the future of motorsport. » 

« Hydrogen, as an energy vector, has not yet been fully explored in motorsport, adds Richard Mille, President of the commission Endurance of the FIA. However, it must be recognized that it presents very interesting prospects, given the variety of possible options it offers, both in terms of storage and powertrains. Deploying sustainable energy sources through motorsport is one of the FIA's main objectives and constitutes our long-term roadmap. The key is to find the most suitable solutions according to the different disciplines. Considering the characteristics of Endurance, hydrogen is one of the most suitable solutions, which is why the FIA ​​fully supports the ACO's MissionH24 program. We work together, sharing our know-how and expertise, in order to introduce this type of technology in Endurance. »

News which is part of the tradition of the technological laboratory of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and which should attract manufacturers like Oreca. The Var company has thus equipped itself with a hydrogen test bench for the development of an H₂ combustion competition engine.

Toyota is also very involved in the development of these technologies. La ORC ROOKIE GR Corolla H2 Concept from the Japanese firm will therefore carry out a demonstration on the 13,626 km Circuit de la Sarthe on June 10 at 12:20 p.m. Toyota, through the Rookie Racing team, is participating with this vehicle in the Super Taikyu endurance championship in Japan as part of its research. This GR Corolla runs on hydrogen gas. The latter powers a combustion engine producing sounds and sensations identical to those of traditional racing cars, but with almost no tailpipe emissions.

It was also on the sidelines of the 24 Hours of Fuji, the second round of the Japanese championship season taking place this weekend, that the ACO announcement was made.

 

 

 

 

 

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A publication shared by Pierre Fillon (@pierrefillonaco)

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