MissionH24 set to be introduced to the Japanese public at the 6 Hours of Fuji
Early September, Fuji Speedway will stage an exclusive exhibition that will see the MissionH24 electric-hydrogen prototype displayed alongside the Toyota GR H2 Racing Concept, unveiled by the Japanese manufacturer in June at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. While Hypercars battle for supremacy on track, spectators will get a glimpse of the hydrogen-powered future of endurance racing in the village.
After the magnificent celebrations of the 24 Hours of Le Mans Centenary in June, the FIA World Endurance Championship will spotlight the present and the future at the 6 Hours of Fuji (8-10 September 2023). Hypercar, LMP2 and LMGTE Am challengers are set to deliver intensely exciting battles on the iconic racetrack in the foothills of Mount Fuji while, away from the action, the village will offer fans an insight into endurance racing of the future. In 2018, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) presented a roadmap to integrate hydrogen technology into the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the World Endurance Championship by 2026. The goal is clear – to decarbonise racing and mobility.
MissionH24, the joint venture set up by the ACO and GreenGT to promote hydrogen in racing, will be at Fuji for the first time with a replica of the LMPH2G (Le Mans Prototype–Hydrogen Gas). This pioneering vehicle has provided the stimulus for leading manufacturers to begin preparing hydrogen prototypes to compete in endurance series in the coming years.
A shining example is the Toyota GR H2 Racing Concept , unveiled by Toyota Motor Corporation chairman Akio Toyoda at Le Mans in June. The stunning vehicle will be displayed on home soil for the first time at the 6 Hours of Fuji alongside the MissionH24 prototype.
The two prototypes are a perfect illustration of the hydrogen strategy adopted for endurance – as outlined by ACO president Pierre Fillon at the 24 Hours of Fuji in May – since one is powered by a fuel cell while the other is driven by a hydrogen internal combustion engine.
So why is the FIA WEC turning to hydrogen? The exclusive exhibition will provide the answers! Alongside the two spectacular hydrogen racing prototypes, the event will include fun activities and games designed to entertain spectators of all ages while educating them about the role played by hydrogen in zero-carbon mobility. In a country that is particularly aware of environmental issues, it is sure to arouse plenty of interest.
Meanwhile, away from Fuji, H24Racing – MissionH24’s racing entity – is currently working through a new development phase devoted to boosting performance after completing a 2022 programme that included four Michelin Le Mans Cup races at Imola, Le Mans and Portimão. Check points such as refuelling, reliability and safety were marked off as the H24 prototype reached the finish line every time.
Spectacular, the two Hydrogen competition prototypes will be integrated into an educational and didactic system dedicated to carbon-free mobility via hydrogen. Animations and games will be proposed to all generations of spectators, in a well-informed country that is particularly sensitive to its environment and its evolution.
