Through the intermediary of Symbio, the joint venture it has formed with the automotive equipment manufacturer Faurecia, GroupeMichelin has becomea preferential partner of the MissionH24project which seeks to accelerate the development of zero-emissions mobility thanks to the use of fuelcell technology in endurance racing. This step-up in the French tyre manufacturer’s involvement sees it joinTotal, the project’s partner at the time of its launch and already committed for a period of five seasons.
Michelin and Symbio: preferential partners of the MissionH24 project
This year sees MissionH24benefit from additional high-profile support as Michelinand Symbio join Total – the project’s partner since 2019 – toaccelerate the use of fuelcell technology in motorsport.
To mark the announcement of its two new partners, H24Racing’sLMP H2Gracing prototype will sport a brand new livery featuring the colours of Michelin, Symbioand Total. Endurance racing and sim racing fans will be able to discover the car’s new look during this weekend’s Le Mans 24 Hours Virtual.
This ambitious programme paves the way for the appearance of fuelcell electric prototypes competing in a bespoke class at Le Mans by 2024.
H24Racing: a real-lifelaboratory
Revealed in September 2018, the MissionH24 projectis the result of an initiative by theACO (Automobile Club de l’Ouest,organiser of the Le Mans 24 Hours)and GreenGT, a pioneering business in the field of high-power fuelcells. The LMPH2G, which was initially unveiled in the colours of H24Racing, is the world’s first electric Le Mans Prototype(LMP) to be powered by fuelcell technology.
After serving as Lead and Safety Car during this weekend’s Le Mans 24 Hours Virtual, the LMPH2Gwill continue its 2020programme with a series of track tests aimed at fine-tuning its performance. At the same time, as in 2019, H24Racingprototypes will attend meetings of the ACO-organised Michelin Le Mans Cup.
Motorsport: an arena for Michelin and Symbio to accelerate their work on fuelcell technology
As a preferential partner of MissionH24, Groupe Michelin not only has an activeinvolvement in the development of technical solutionsfor the powering of racing prototypesbut it will also continue as exclusive tyre supplier to H24Racing.
Meanwhile, MissionH24 will benefit from the fuelcell mobility expertise brought to the table bySymbio, the joint venture formed by Michelin and Faurecia in November 2019.As a partner of GreenGT for more than 10 years, the company has a thorough understanding of the importance of the technological stakes associated with motor racing.
Thanks to the experience gained thanks to the MissionH24 project, motorsport fits perfectly with Symbio’s strategy as it seeks to establish itself as a major player in the world of fuelcell mobility over the years ahead.
Sonia Artinian-Fredou (EVP, Services and Solutions, High-Tech Materials, Member of the Group Executive Committee, Michelin):
“Groupe Michelin is excited to be part of the MissionH24 project alongside the ACO [Automobile-Club de l’Ouest]and Totalthrough the intermediary of Symbio. This programme provides Michelin and Symbiowith a real-lifelaboratory to accelerate our research and development work on clean, fuelcellmobility solutions. As a major stakeholder in the realm of zero-emissions mobility, Michelin has invested in a variety of initiatives that are speeding up innovationswhich aimto provide our customers and the planet with sustainable solutions.”
Fabio Ferrari (CEO, Symbio):“Motor racing not only serves as a tremendous laboratory that allows us to pushthe limits of fuelcell technology,but it is also an effective flagship to make the public aware of the value of this form of zero-emissions mobility. At Symbio, we are therefore doubly proud to be involved in such an ambitious programme.”