Hydrogen Cars Set for Limited Schedule in FIA World Endurance Championship 2028
Key Ideas
- Hydrogen-powered cars will debut in the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2028, initially planned for the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
- Toyota has shown interest in racing with hydrogen, with other manufacturers like Alpine and BMW also expressing enthusiasm.
- Efforts are being made to establish safety regulations and infrastructure for hydrogen cars, with plans for a liquid mobile station and collaboration with energy partners.
- The phased approach to introducing hydrogen cars is supported, recognizing the challenges with regulations and infrastructure, with discussions ongoing about the future participation of Toyota's GR010 Hybrid.
The FIA World Endurance Championship is set to include hydrogen-powered cars in its 2028 season, initially scheduled for appearances at the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps and the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. ACO President Pierre Fillon revealed that while the hydrogen cars' introduction has been delayed to 2028, discussions are ongoing for a potential additional race in Japan later in the season. Toyota has shown the most interest in racing with hydrogen, with Alpine and BMW also expressing enthusiasm. Efforts are underway to establish safety regulations and infrastructure for the new category, including the development of a liquid mobile station in collaboration with energy partners. Toyota team director Rob Leupen supports the phased introduction of hydrogen cars, acknowledging the challenges surrounding regulations and infrastructure. The future participation of Toyota's GR010 Hybrid alongside the hydrogen cars in 2028 remains uncertain, pending the finalization of regulations and the involvement of other manufacturers.