Corolla hydrogen racer drops out of Super Taikyu race due to an ‘unrelated’ fire

As it now turns out, the unique Toyota GR Corolla modified to run on hydrogen gas was damaged in a fire following a test run on March 8. The manufacturer chose to reveal the sad news only now, right before the start of the Super Taikyu event it was meant to be part of.

Unlike the other hydrogen-powered Toyota cars, this particular GR Corolla was designed to run on liquefied gas. Such an approach necessitates a dedicated cooling system for the gas tanks, but results in greater range potential and a simpler powertrain layout – both crucial advantages for track-only racecars.

Interestingly, the company emphasizes that the fire had nothing at all to do with the liquid hydrogen per se. Rather, it was caused by an engineering error: a part of the fuel duct was placed too close to the hot engine without proper insulation.

What remains unsaid is whether the car can be restored and brought back on track.