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Red Bull partners with Oreca for Le Mans hydrogen class car

Red Bull Advanced Technologies will partner with French manufacturer Oreca to design the chassis concept for the new hydrogen class planned for Le Mans in 2024.

The classic endurance event's future ground-breaking category will be based on one-make chassis powered by hydrogen fuel-cells.

The collaborative effort between Oreca and RB Advanced Technologies - the company behind the Aston Martin Valkyrie Hypercar - will see the former draw on its vast design and production skills in the world of endurance racing while the latter leverage its Formula 1 expertise in aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics, simulation technology and energy recovery optimization.

According to a joint statement from Red Bull, Oreca and Le Mans organizer the Automobile de l'Ouest, the first task for the British and French companies is to "undertake and provide a detailed feasibility study for the vehicle concept".

"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 RBAT CEO 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 boss Hugues de Chaunac said: "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."

Commenting on the success of the bid by RBAT and ORECA, Pierre Fillon, president of the ACO said: "This exciting announcement confirms the appeal of Mission H24 and offers a promising future for zero-carbon motor racing and hydrogen prototypes.

"Thanks to ORECA, a mainstay of the 24 Hours of Le Mans for many years, and Red Bull Advanced Technologies, a successful motorsport business, the ACO will benefit from extensive endurance racing experience combined with cutting-edge technology to guarantee outstanding performance in its hydrogen class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2024.

"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."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.