Mazda is making a big return to LeMans 24 Hours race in 2010 19 years after their memorable victory with a rotary-engine race car. This time too, they are coming with a groundbreaking car, the Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE sports coupe, powered by a petrol/hydrogen rotary engine. The car will get a special demonstration at “Le Mans vers le future” (Le Mans into the Future).

The “Le Mans into the Future” event is a first for the race, and will present several vehicles using alternative powertrains (electric, hybrid, natural gas or hydrogen fuel). The Mazda coupe RX-8 Hydrogen RE is fitted with a dual-fuel (petrol/hydrogen) rotary engine that is especially efficient at burning zero-emissions hydrogen. It is currently available for lease in Japan and Norway.

The car will be driven by Yojiro Terada, a veteran pilot who has participated in 29 endurance races at Le Mans, including 16 with Mazda, and of course as a member of the official team that took the podium 19 years ago.