For the first time in the history of the 24 Hours of Le Mans a car powered by an electric hydrogen system lapped the circuit during the break in the official qualifying session.
On Thursday 16 June at 21:15, the Green GT H2 took to the track for the 13.629 kilometer lap of the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit driven by Olivier Panis, the development driver and brand ambassador.
Always at the forefront of innovation and driving progress in the field of sustainable mobility, Michelin is today not only the tire supplier of the Green GT, but also a technology partner and shareholder in Symbio FCELL which developed the hydrogen system in close collaboration with Green GT.
"Bearing in mind Michelin’s commitment to mobility, it is logical that Michelin supports Green GT and the H2, which is not only a race car but also a high performance laboratory”, said Valérie Bouillon-Delporte, director of hydrogen innovation at Michelin.
Apart from its technological approach and performance, the Green GT H2 highlights the commitment, effort and vision that Michelin, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) have shown in their support for this project.
The Green GT H2, which has already driven a few laps on an urban circuit at the first Formula E ePrix of Paris on 23 April, is equipped with MICHELIN S8L slick tires and P2L rain tires supplied by Michelin's customer competition department. It will return to the track at the 24 Hours of Le Mans on Saturday 18 June at 12:40, for a second demonstration lap.
Green GT and Michelin are also working together on the development of another supercar intended for circuit use. The H2 Speed is a prototype designed by Pininfarina which is displayed at the Michelin hospitality structure inside the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit, near Raccordement.
About Michelin North America
Dedicated to the improvement of sustainable mobility, Michelin designs, manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks and motorcycles. The Company has earned a long-standing reputation for building innovative premium tires. In addition to tires, the Company also publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America (www.michelinman.com) employs about 22,700 and operates 19 major manufacturing plants. Forbes magazine has ranked Michelin No. 1 on its annual survey of “Best Large Employers in America” for 2018. Learn more about purpose-driven careers with a purpose-driven company at jobs.michelinman.com.