At the ACO Press Conference on Friday – just a day before the start of the centenary 24 Hours of Le Mans – Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Akio Toyoda presented for the first time the new GR H2 Racing Concept.
The GR H2 Racing Concept is a prototype racer powered by a hydrogen combustion engine, designed with the intention of competing in the new hydrogen category at Le Mans, which intends to launch in 2026.
This follows a recent announcement from the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) which would allow hydrogen-engine vehicles to compete, in addition to the hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles which were already confirmed to enter.
Speaking at the press conference, Toyoda said: “to the ACO and Le Mans, to provide this unique opportunity to share our report with the world. And we look forward to our new GR H2 race car in view of the new Le Mans H2 class in the future. Thank you – this is indeed a special day for Toyota and an even more meaningful one for Le Mans.”
Toyota’s forays into using hydrogen combustion technology began with the debut of a Toyota GR Corolla which has competed in the Eneos Super Taikyu Series since 2021, and also raced in the Idemitsu 1500 Super Endurance Race at Chang International Circuit in Thailand last December.
A new version of the GR Corolla H2 Concept was introduced to Super Taikyu in 2023, and just two weeks ago, made its racing debut at the Fuji Super TEC 24 Hours.
“Two weeks ago I drove a Corolla fuelled by liquid hydrogen at the Super Taikyu 24-hour race at Fuji Speedway. This was a world first for a race car. And not only did we successfully finish the race, we learned a lot,” Toyoda said.
Now the plan is to take the lessons learned from this ambitious project – part of Toyota’s big push towards proliferating hydrogen technology as a viable option for sustainable mobility – and apply them towards the challenge of the next generation of Le Mans 24-hour races.
“Personally, my goal is to achieve carbon neutrality in motorsports, without sacrificing in terms of performance or excitement. And by the way, we wouldn’t be investing in this technology if I didn’t think we could win with it,” Toyoda smiled.
“We are doing it with zero emissions. Of course, one of the other major benefits of hydrogen fuel over gas is just how light it is. No more BoP!”
“I really want to encourage our competitors to consider hydrogen, not just because it’s good for the environment, but because it’s really an exciting option. The sound, the torque, the dynamics – it’s all there.”
“In the end, when it comes to carbon neutrality and motorsports, we’ve been investing in every option – from battery electric vehicles, and beyond. And that’s why Toyota hydrogen is just one of the many passages that we’re taking.”
The car will be on exhibition at the ACO’s “H2 Village” at the Circuit de la Sarthe from now until the end of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
