Hydrogen on-track at Fuji
The seventh round of the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship campaign takes place in Japan this weekend (13-15 September) - and a unique part of the 6 Hours of Fuji is the safari tour...
This offers the opportunity for ‘classic’ vehicles to drive the circuit alongside the series’ regular racers at reduced speed - including, on this occasion, a hydrogen car.
The GR010 Hybrid Hypercars were not the only Toyotas on-track at Fuji this weekend. The Toyota Mirai Sport, a hydrogen car, also took to the Japanese circuit to promote hydrogen in endurance racing. At the wheel was Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest and a key advocate for the decarbonisation of mobility and the deployment of hydrogen in competition. M. Fillon lapped the 4.5km circuit with its 1.4km-long straight in a vehicle emitting 0% CO2, in the company of Mr. Shimizu, the engineer responsible for the Mirai Sport, and FIA WEC CEO, Frédéric Lequien.
Today, the 2024 grid uses a competition fuel developed by TotalEnergies - Excellium Racing 100 - produced from waste and residues notably from wine-growing, which meets all the requirements of engine manufacturers and the European directive on renewable energies. It offers a reduction of at least 65% in CO2 emissions over its lifecycle. This fuel is certified 100% sustainable. Motorsport thus demonstrates its involvement in energy transition and the search for more virtuous solutions.
The experience of the Toyota Mirai Sport illustrates the work carried out by the ACO with the FIA and the manufacturers towards the creation of a category dedicated to hydrogen by 2028.
