Red Bull partners with ORECA to design Hydrogen Class chassis for Le Mans 2024

Red Bull Advanced Technologies will work with ORECA to design a chassis for the hydrogen-powered class to be used at the 2024 Le Mans 24 Hours.

Preparations are continuing to introduce hydrogen-fuelled cars for the 2024 Le Mans 24 Hours as previously outlined by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest back in 2018, with the two companies set to collaborate on the design of the chassis concept.

French racing team and car constructor ORECA will use its design and production capabilities and its experience of racing in the World Endurance Championship, while in parallel the Red Bull’s Advanced Technologies department will draw on its high-tech expertise in aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics, simulation technology, and energy recovery optimisation through the project.

Red Bull Advanced Technologies and ORECA will be joined by Plastic Omnium, the exclusive supplier of the hydrogen fuel tanks set for use in the racing prototypes for 2024, as part of the initial phase of development of the vehicle concept.

ACO president Pierre Fillon said the announcement confirmed both the appeal of the project, as well as signifying a promising future for zero-carbon motor racing and hydrogen prototypes.

“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,” he explained.

“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."

It follows Red Bull’s recent sustainability drive and its ‘No Bull’ initiative which was launched last year.

“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 and Red Bull F1 team principal 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.”

ORECA president Hugues de Chaunac, added: “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. And 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.”