Hydrogen Combustion Technologies Added To Possibilities For Future Le Mans Regs

A short announcement from the ACO President Pierre Fillon and FIA Endurance Commission President Richard Mille has confirmed that the future regulations for hydrogen-fuelled automobiles at the 24 Hours of Le Mans will now encompass Hydrogen combustion technologies as effectively as retaining the alternative for Hydrogen Fuel Cell tech.

The ACO have been at the forefront of a drive to introduce Hydrogen as a fuel supply in the sport considering that 2018 and, considering that then, there have been progressive measures in improvement with each other with their technologies partners on demonstration projects, while continuing dialogue with interested suppliers.

No information are but offered on interest from suppliers but current media reports in France appear to confirm that the re-current interest from Hyundai in fielding a fuel-cell powered car or truck in the coming years is nevertheless alive while sources close to Toyota have recommended to DSC that their existing technologies demonstrator racer utilising Hydrogen combustion marks the early stages of creating that route towards additional capable race (and road going) machinery.

At present the line from the ACO is that they are, “in close collaboration with the FIA, functioning towards the creation of a class for Hydrogen-powered prototypes at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the subsequent handful of years.”

Their is continued improvement also on MissionH24, a joint venture in between the ACO and GreenGT, conducting investigation and improvement in locations such as security, efficiency and refuelling.

Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest: Due to the fact 2018, the hydrogen ecosystem has evolved enormously. We are mastering by carrying out. We are exploring possibilities. And that is specifically the objective we set ourselves 5 years ago when we launched MissionH24. The fuel cell was initially selected for its prospective, which is nevertheless relevant. Currently, the hydrogen internal combustion engine is also presented as a possibility for suppliers. The 24 Hours of Le Mans regulations have constantly advocated freedom and range. As such, we are officially announcing that each technologies, fuel cell and hydrogen internal combustion engine, will be accepted and authorised for suppliers wishing to enter the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the Hydrogen category. I would like to highlight the tremendous function carried out by MissionH24, alongside the ACO and FIA. We are all conscious of the challenges facing the future of motorsport, and of the require to decarbonise mobility, and we are addressing them with each other.

Richard Mille, FIA Endurance Commission President: Hydrogen as a energy supply is but to be completely explored in motor sport. Having said that, offered the truth that it delivers a range of alternatives in terms of storage varieties and powertrains, it tends to make for a quite fascinating prospect. Implementing sustainable energy sources across motorsport competitors is 1 of the essential targets of the FIA and element of our extended-term roadmap. The essential is to address the finest options for distinctive motorsport disciplines. Offered the nature of endurance racing, hydrogen is 1 of the most appropriate alternatives, for that reason the FIA completely supports the ACO’s MissionH24 project. We are functioning with them, sharing our know-how and experience, to introduce a new energy supply to endurance racing.