The fuel-cell-powered LMPH2G on track with Michelin

The Michelin Pilot Sport-equipped LMPH2G lapped and refuelled in race conditions during the weekend’s Michelin Le Mans Cup meeting at Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium. 

Following its presentation at the same circuit this time last year, racing’s first hydrogen-fuelled prototype completed a parade lap (13.629km) ahead of June’s Le Mans 24 Hours and has run in several private test sessions.

Last Friday, (September 20), the H24Racing-developed machine took part in a Free Practice session for the Michelin Le Mans Cup round at Spa-Francorchamps. For its first outing in racing conditions, it shared the track with 28 other cars (LMP3 prototypes and GT3s) after being submitted to the FIA and ACO’s safety checks and crash test (hydrogen tank, battery, etc.).

In the hands of Norman Nato and Olivier Lombard, the LMPH2G completed 20 laps (around 140km) and refuelled four times at Total’s mobile hydrogen rig which injects hydrogen into the prototype at a pressure of 350 bar.

Mchelin is a partner of the MissionH24 project which seeks to see fuel-cell-powered cars compete at Le Mans by 2024. The LMPH2G sits on Michelin Pilot Sport tyres (front: 30/68-18 / rear: 31/71-18), while its fuel cell – which converts hydrogen into electricity – was designed by Symbio, a Michelin Group subsidiary since last February. Based near Grenoble, France, Symbio specialises in the conception of hydrogen kits for different types of electric vehicle.