Red Bull partners with ORECA for Le Mans hydrogen prototype
The Le Mans Hydrogen car will be jointly-designed by Red Bull and ORECA
The Hydrogen Le Mans prototype is set to race in 2024
JEAN-FRANCOIS MONIER/AFP via Getty Images
Red Bull Advanced Technologies (RBAT) has joined forces with ORECA to design the prototype chassis for the Le Mans Hydrogen class prototype.
The joint project will form the exclusive chassis design for all cars in the Hydrogen class at Le Mans set to launch in 2024.
ORECA already has a wealth of experience to draw from in endurance racing as a manufacturer dating back to 2009. It currently builds the Oreca 07 LMP2 car used in the World Endurance and IMSA’s WeatherTech Sports Car championships.
Red Bull’s Advanced Technologies division has already collaborated with Aston Martin on the Valkyrie sports car as well as IndyCar’s chassis manufacturer Dallara for the Aeroscreen cockpit protection.
ACO president Pierre Fillon said that the partnership underlined the credibility of the Hydrogen class and was a promising point in its pursuit of zero-carbon emissions racing.
“This exciting announcement confirms the appeal of Mission H24 and offers a promising future for zero-carbon motor racing and hydrogen prototypes,” he said.
“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.”
The Hydrogen class has been in the works for several years with the MissionH24 prototype continuing its preperations for racing this season.
“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 F1 boss Christian Horner said.
“Red Bull Advanced Technologies are well qualified 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 will also deliver exciting racing.”