Carlos Tavares at the wheel of the Mission H24 prototype

He was only present in a private capacity and as an enthusiast. Last week, PSA Group CEO Carlos Tavares completed a few laps at the wheel of the LMPH2G, the MissionH24 prototype, at the Linas-Montlhéry autodrome.

The project initiated by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest and Green GT is developing a car entrusted to H24 Racing, which is based on LMP3s. It should lead to the creation of a hydrogen category for 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2024.

Carlos Tavares initially shared the seat with driver Norman Nato, who will participate in the 24 Hours of Le Mans this year in a Rebellion, before testing the car alone. “Old apprentice pilot”, in his own words, he found it difficult to quickly change his driving habits to adapt to the characteristics of the car.

« Behind the wheel, an old “apprentice pilot » like me must learn to drive differently. The LMPH2G is a real racing car, with remarkable acceleration, efficient aerodynamics and very healthy handling.

But it's a car of tomorrow and we also have to learn to work with the electric-hydrogen generator, to manage braking which is obviously a phase of slowing down the car, but also of energy recovery. »

Tavares was convinced by the car. “The path is clear and, before long, I assure you that many of us will want to sit aboard this car and the following ones. »

Badged Peugeot  ? The French manufacturer will return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 2022 in the Le Mans Hypercar category. Carlos Tavares assured that PSA had nothing to do with his coming to Montlhéry. He carefully monitors the progress of the project “in his free time” and defends the future of hydrogen technology on production cars.

The LMPH2G should, for its part, make headlines again at the 24 2020 Hours of Le Mans, since an evolution of the car will be presented. The main challenge is to lighten the car, which weighed more than 1 kilos during its laps in the Michelin Le Mans Cup last year.