PHINIA injects more power into Alpine’s Alpenglow hydrogen racer

PHINIA is turning up the boost on hydrogen-powered motorsport, partnering with Alpine Racing to supply cutting-edge direct hydrogen injectors for the Alpenglow V6 racer.

The firm has also just renewed ties with the BWT Alpine Formula 1 Team, keeping its name firmly in the fast lane of high-performance racing.

Alpine’s hydrogen Alpenglow

Alpine’s Alpenglow is one mean race car, but it also serves as a rolling test bed for hydrogen combustion engines, proving you can have high-revving drama, without the carbon hangover.

Unlike more contemporary hydrogen fuel cells that quietly generate electricity, Alpenglow’s six-cylinder engine burns hydrogen the old-school way – meaning noise, theatre, and proper racing pedigree.

PHINIA’s “DI-CHG” direct hydrogen injectors sit at the heart of this setup, delivering precise fuel doses to ensure clean combustion and serious performance.

First shown off at the Paris Motor Show, the six-cylinder Alpenglow Hy6 follows last year’s four-cylinder version, which flexed its muscles at Spa and Le Mans, with none other than football legend Zinedine Zidane along for the ride.

Alpine Racing’s Chief Engineer for Hydrogen, Pierre-Jean Tardy, is backing the project all the way. He said: “PHINIA’s expertise in fuel systems and advanced injector technology is critical to making Alpenglow a reality.

“Together, we are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in motorsport.”

Interestingly, the same chap, who is leading Alpine’s hydrogen engine design for “racing and sport cars applications”, has been designing Formula 1 engines for the last 20 years for Alpine’s parent group – Renault. Interesting…

PHINIA keeps a grip on Formula 1

Away from hydrogen, PHINIA has also announced it’s extending its partnership with the BWT Alpine Formula 1 Team through its Delphi brand.

Having been a technical partner for three years, Delphi’s branding is now set to appear more prominently on Alpine’s F1 cars throughout the season.

With F1 still debating its long-term powertrain direction, PHINIA’s involvement keeps it in the thick of discussions around combustion efficiency and sustainable fuels.

Neil Fryer, PHINIA’s Vice President of Aftermarket, sees Alpine as the perfect proving ground. He said: “From the reliability of our Delphi aftermarket parts to the precision of our DI-CHG hydrogen injectors, we’re excited to contribute to the next generation of automotive performance.”

Will we see hydrogen internal combustion engines in F1? Again, I hope so, but only time will tell.

Hydrogen in racing: A serious contender?

Hydrogen combustion is making waves in endurance racing, where it’s emerging as a viable alternative to both petrol and battery-electric powertrains.

It keeps the soul of traditional motorsport alive – rev-happy engines, flames on the overrun, and no need to drag around half a tonne of lithium-ion batteries.

Given the right investment and development, don’t be surprised if hydrogen-fuelled machines are rubbing shoulders with hybrids and EVs on the world’s most famous grids sooner rather than later.