LE MANS, France – Red Bull Advanced Technologies will collaborate with ORECA on the design of the chassis concept for the next generation of hydrogen-fueled cars planned for the 2024 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The collaborative effort will see ORECA draw on its design and production skills as well as its endurance racing knowledge and experience.
In parallel, Red Bull Advanced Technologies, the high-tech external solution division of Red Bull Technology, will bring its Formula One expertise in aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics, simulation technology and energy recovery optimization to a project firmly focused on the sustainable future of endurance racing.
The initial task will be to undertake and provide a detailed feasibility study for the vehicle concept. As part of that initial phase of development, Red Bull Advanced Technologies and ORECA will be joined by Plastic Omnium, exclusive supplier of the hydrogen fuel tanks set for use in the racing prototypes.
“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,” said Red Bull Advanced Technologies CEO Christian Horner. “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.”
“We are proud that the Automobile Club de l’Ouest has chosen us to work alongside Red Bull Advanced Technologies on this ambitious, forward-looking project,” said Hugues de Chaunac, président du Groupe ORECA. “We are excited to be working with the other project partners, among them Plastic Omnium and Green GT. Collaboration is vital if we are to succeed in introducing a hydrogen class at the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans. ORECA enjoys challenges and pioneering change and we can fully express our talents in such an engrossing enterprise. With the LMH and LMDh classes, endurance racing is entering a fascinating new era. From a technical and sporting point of view it will have us on the edge of our seats.”