Red Bull set for Le Mans 24 Hours involvement in new hydrogen class

Red Bull

Red Bull set for Le Mans 24 Hours involvement in new hydrogen class

Advanced Technologies arm to work with ORECA on 2024 car

Ian Parkes

Monday 25 January 2021 16:18

Red Bull is to play a key role in the 2024 Le Mans following a winning bid from its Advanced Technologies arm to design the concept for the 'Hydrogen Class' chassis.

Red Bull is to collaborate on the next generation of hydrogen-fuelled cars in tandem with renowned French endurance racing team and car constructor ORECA after being selected by Le Mans organisers, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest.

ORECA's design and production skills, as well as its endurance racing knowledge and experience will be brought to bear.

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Red Bull Advanced Technologies, the high-tech external solution division of Red Bull Technology, will utilise its F1 expertise in aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics, simulation technology and energy recovery optimisation to help with the project.

Red Bull Advanced Technologies CEO Christian Horner said: “I am delighted that Red Bull Advanced Technologies have been chosen by the ACO along with our partners ORECA to develop the concept of a hydrogen-powered endurance racing car for Le Mans.

"Red Bull Advanced Technologies are well equipped to take on the challenge set by the ACO having access to many of the tools used to design and develop the Red Bull Racing F1 car, along with significant experience on other cutting edge vehicle programs.

"The Hydrogen Class at Le Mans offers an exciting glimpse into the future of sustainable motorsport and promises both to advance the use of hydrogen in transportation, and also deliver exciting racing.”

Red Bull and ORECA will initially undertake and provide a detailed feasibility study for the vehicle concept, with the two companies joined by Plastic Omnium which is to exclusively supply the hydrogen fuel tanks set for use in the racing prototypes.

ACO president Pierre Fillon said: “This exciting announcement confirms the appeal of Mission H24 and offers a promising future for zero-carbon motor racing and hydrogen prototypes.

"Thanks to ORECA, a mainstay of the 24 Hours of Le Mans for many years, and Red Bull Advanced Technologies, a successful motorsport business, the ACO will benefit from extensive endurance racing experience combined with cutting-edge technology to guarantee outstanding performance in its hydrogen class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2024.

"This partnership confirms that the ACO has made the right decisions for the future of motorsport and underscores our ambition for zero-carbon racing for future generations.

"We’re delighted to welcome ORECA and Red Bull Advanced Technologies alongside Plastic Omnium, producer of the hydrogen class fuel tank.

"Having these top-flight automotive firms on board is likely to draw even more interest from car manufacturers, especially those who regularly contribute to our hydrogen working group.

"We are living in difficult times but the ACO is resolutely pursuing its route towards zero-carbon racing and mobility.”