Born from the union between the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) and the company GreenGT – recently become H24Project – whose base camp is established in Signes, very close to the Paul-Ricard circuit, the MissionH24 program works to decarbonize motor racing via the deployment of hydrogen. Since 2018, two laboratory cars have begun to pave the way for this zero-emission adventure: LMPH2G and H24. Today, it’s time for phase 3! A prototype presented in images on October 11 which marks a real turning point in development. From now on, the key word is no longer reliability but performance. Because behind the devastating look of the beautiful baby in gestation lies significant progress with a view to the introduction of the H2 category at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and in the World Endurance Championship scheduled for 2026. To measure the concrete progress, we turned to one of the two in-house test pilots, the Monegasque Stéphane Richelmi. Expert advice.
Stéphane, did you discover this new MissionH24 prototype on October 11 in Paris like everyone else?
Almost! In fact, I saw him for the first time the day before, on Thursday the 10th. The secret was well kept in order to preserve the element of surprise. Okay, this is just the drawing, not the car built.
At first glance, what caught your eye?
The single-seater cockpit! I’m happy to finally see an endurance prototype in which the driver has a central position. In the LMP2 prototypes that I know, we are always off-center, to the right or to the left. So, in certain turns, you cannot see the rope because the windshield pillar hides it. There, goodbye to the large bubble! I don’t understand why the regulations required it until now because it had no use. On the contrary… Especially aerodynamically, for drag. Moreover, the Toyota project presented in June at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (the GR H2 Racing Concept foreshadowing a commitment by the Japanese firm in the Hydrogen category which should see the light of day in 2026, editor’s note) adopts the same architecture. Certainly not by chance.
Compared to the H24 prototype, where do you think the major evolution is located?
The new Symbio fuel cell system (joint venture between Faurecia, Michelin and Stellantis) generates a fairly spectacular gain. The net power increases to 300kW, or + 50% by reducing weight and bulk. This is a big step forward.
Pierre Fillon, the president of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, said that this car should be able to compete with the best GT3s. You confirm?
Oh yes! On the one hand, we lose 150 kilos (1300kg versus 1450kg for the H24). That’s not bad… even if it’s never enough. And on the other, there is only one electric motor left (instead of two), but with a power density greater than 20kW/kg. It’s better than a Formula 1 MGU-K (16kW/kg)! Result: maximum power (batteries + batteries) peaks at 650kW (872 ch). Enough to keep up with a GT3. Or even slot between GT3 and LMP3. I think that this should save between 5 and 6 seconds per lap on a Paul-Ricard type track.
What about autonomy?
At race pace, we expect 25 to 30 minutes. Hoping to reduce the refueling time: 2 minutes, even when it’s very hot, that’s the goal.
The design will be frozen in March 2024. Between now and then, will it evolve a little? A lot?
As is, the car pleases. She has a good face. Beautiful. Agressive. A priori, if we reveal it like this, it is not so that it presents another face and radically different lines a year later once it leaves the workshop. I discussed it with those in charge the other day in Paris. The concept is accomplished and realistic. There may be a change or two. At the level of this plunging windshield, for example. I think it’s beautiful, but I don’t know if plexiglass can go that low to compete in races. We’ll see.
The first laps on the circuit are planned for early 2025. Will you, the development driver, therefore be chomping at the bit for more than a year?
Yes and no. There are quite a few communication operations to ensure. The next one is scheduled for this Monday in Paris where I will drive the Ballon d’Or trophy aboard the H24 to the Théâtre du Châtelet which is hosting the ceremony. Nice spotlight! Concerning the development of the new prototype, we will undoubtedly be able to prepare the ground for the simulator before entering the track.
And on the racing side, is a comeback next season possible, in endurance or elsewhere?
I knocked on Alpine’s door regarding their Hypercar program . In vain. Apparently, their door only opens for French drivers or stars… At 33, I would like to ride. But I admit that I am not on the phone every day to find a steering wheel at all costs. Restart any way, without preparation, like with the Bentley GT3 in 2021(4 courses Sprint du GT World Challenge)
, it does not interest me. To have fun, to let off steam, it’s better to take part in a rally or two in the area.
