TECHNOLOGY AND TRANSPORT – Toyota Gazoo Racing unveils hydrogen prototypes at Le Mans

Toyota GR H2 Racing. Photo: Union of Authors/Toyota

Marking the 100th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the world’s most prestigious endurance race, Toyota president Akio Toyoda has presented the GR H2 Racing Concept’s hydrogen prototype for the first time. The hydrogen-powered racing car could be officially launched in a few years. The chances of racing in the future are not bad. Finally, the French Automobile Club ACO, which is also the organizer of the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, plans to include a new class of fuel cell cars or hydrogen-powered racing cars in the regulations from 2026.

The Japanese are still reluctant to provide detailed information about the GR H2 Racing Concept. What is certain, however, is that the concept study is equipped with a combustion engine that runs exclusively on hydrogen. The study is also supported by a hybrid system. As a result, the racing car that was used later will no longer emit carbon dioxide, since only water vapor comes out of its exhaust. Toyota has gained racing experience with the hydrogen-powered Corolla, which is used in the Asian racing series, since 2021.

The prototype was on display to visitors at the “H2 Village” as part of the 24-hour race’s centenary this year. The ultra-thin concept study makes a strong impression. The two huge hydrogen tanks can be found to the left and right of the center cockpit. The wide fin behind the driver and the powerful rear spoiler also show that the development of the concept study is very advanced.

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In this year’s race at the Circuit de la Sarthe, Toyota was unlucky. The Japanese have won the 24 Hours of Le Mans five times in a row since 2018. The Japanese manufacturer was also the big favorite in this year’s anniversary edition, having dominated the previous races of the WEC racing series. Due to a change in the regulations, the favored supercars had to start with additional weights, which was the highest in the GR010 Hybrid currently in use at 37kg. Ferrari won overall this year, and Toyota’s co-driver Ryo Hirakawa, Brendon Hartley and Sebastien Buemi, finished second. (ohm/gb)

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