Le Mans fans are well familiar with the WR (Welter Racing) team as it has competed in the legendary 24-Hour race no fewer than 27 times since 1976, last appearing in 2010. The structure founded by former Peugeot designer Gérard Welter, making its comeback in 2017, therefore knows its way around the Le Mans circuit and is fully aware of the race’s demands on the cars’ mechanics.

Like Porsche, WR has chosen a “small” hybrid engine (a 1200 cc three-cylinder model in this case) that it will mount in the chassis being developed in its own workshops in Thorigny sur Marne, on the outskirts of Paris. The closed-cockpit prototype will however feature a “large” tank to carry the quantity of liquid biomethane required to complete a stint.

Obviously liquid gas means extreme cold. The natural gas, containing 90% methane, is transported in liquid form at –162°C in methane tankers. WR will therefore be integrating a cryogenic tank capable of withstanding such low temperatures. As this liquid biomethane will be produced from household waste reprocessed in methanisation plants, the term “green fuel” is no misnomer. WR is aiming to reduce CO2 emissions to zero-impact level.

As the technology is still in its infancy, plenty of work lies ahead for the team led by Welter and engine designer Jean-Pierre Boudy before WR takes possession of Garage 56 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2017!

Cécile Bonardel / ACO – Translated from French by David Goward