The world of motorsport is witnessing a quiet revolution, and the vanguard is not from the ranks of Formula 1 or Le Mans. Instead, it is a group of passionate students on a mission to prove that hydrogen power can compete at the highest levels. Last weekend at TT Circuit Assen, the Forze Hydrogen Racing team once again stepped into the arena – not just to race, but to challenge perceptions and pioneer new ground in sustainable motorsport.
Who Are Forze Hydrogen Racing?
Forze Hydrogen Racing is not your typical racing squad. Founded in 2007 at Delft University of Technology, the team today comprises over 60 dedicated students, each united by the vision of merging high-performance racing with true sustainability. Over nearly two decades, Forze has constructed nine increasingly advanced hydrogen-electric race cars, pushing the boundaries with each iteration.
Their mission? To show the racing world – and by extension, society – that hydrogen technology is not a futuristic fantasy but a genuine solution for clean, competitive mobility. Forze’s presence at mainstream race events isn’t promotional bluster: it’s a deliberate effort to take on petrol and hybrid rivals in real competition, proving that innovation and idealism can coexist with hard performance data.
The Assen Challenge: Jack’s Racing Days 2025
Last weekend saw Forze take part in the prestigious Jack’s Racing Days at TT Circuit Assen, one of the Netherlands’ premier racing venues. The Supercar Challenge, a celebration of raw speed and engineering ingenuity, drew a diverse field – powerful GT machinery, seasoned am drivers, and amid them, a single hydrogen-powered prototype.
Forze’s entry was not without pressure. After years of development, their latest machine – the Forze IX – is one of the fastest hydrogen-powered circuit cars in the world. Yet, every competitive event poses a unique proving ground: reliability, lap times, and useable race pace all under scrutiny.
The Weekend Unfolds: From Preparation to the Flag
Friday and Saturday: Setup, Testing, and the Reality of Racing
Assen’s layout is a test of balance and nerve, with long, flowing corners such as Ramshoek and high-speed stretches interrupted by technical braking zones. Forze’s engineering team worked tirelessly, adjusting suspension settings and fuel cell management to extract solid lap times.
Saturday’s qualifying sessions placed Forze against combustion-engine competitors. While lap times were not class-leading, the pure hydrogen car held its own – evidence of progress, and a hint of further potential.
Sunday: The Race and Its Demands
Race day dawned clear, but anticipation was measured. Hydrogen racing, while innovative, brings its own set of operational challenges. Pit crew management of the fuel cell system and high-pressure tanks needs almost surgical precision, requiring both technical acumen and calm under duress.
When the lights went out, Forze quickly found rhythm. The opening laps saw the car maintain competitive pace, with lap times hovering near 2:00. In a field dominated by GT3s and custom-built supercars, the hydrogen racer was never expected to challenge for overall victory – yet it remained on track, avoiding the early retirements and mechanical woes that have plagued development efforts in previous years.
A minor technical issue mid-race was swiftly addressed in the pits, testament to the team’s growing maturity. The Forze IX finished the run with a classified time of 31:48.294, notching a best lap of 2:00.184 and covering two race stints. The finishing speed (averaging 85.93km/h) might not raise eyebrows just yet – but the real story is the pace of development and dependability achieved.
Key Moments: Where Engineering Meets Determination
On-track battles: While Forze couldn’t match the outright pace of petrol cars, its commitment to consistent lap times and race completion drew respect from fellow competitors and spectators alike.
Pit lane efficiency: Quick thinking from student engineers restored the car to running order after an electrical sensor anomaly, showcasing not only technical know-how but composure under the public eye.
Public engagement: The Assen paddock buzzed with curiosity. Forze’s garage attracted attention from race fans, industry observers, and other teams. Questions about hydrogen refuelling, energy density, and the future of clean racing ran throughout the weekend.
Social reflection: Post-race, team members took to social media to underline the progress made and their pride in overcoming another set of race-weekend hurdles. The message was clear: hydrogen racing is not about instant perfection, but about bold, public progress.
Reflection: More Than a Result, a Marker of Progress
Forze’s weekend at Assen cannot be reduced to mere numbers. The very act of finishing a competitive race, against internal-combustion opposition, marks a step forward for hydrogen sport. Each lap completed is a statement: sustainable technology can meet the relentless demands of motorsport, and young engineers are ready to lead the way.
The project’s ambitions extend beyond the racetrack. By logging data, learning from setbacks, and returning stronger each round, the Forze team influencers industry debates and public attitudes towards alternative fuels. Their experience in Assen – with its operational victories and honest evaluations – will inform both technical upgrades and the long journey toward mainstream acceptance.
See the photos here
Final Thoughts: The Road Ahead
Forze Hydrogen Racing’s story at Assen is not just about a weekend in August 2025. It is about bridging the gap between visionary engineering and everyday race discipline, blending patience, determination, and cooperation to redefine what a race team can stand for.
As hydrogen technology continues to develop, Forze’s student-driven progress remains a beacon for the sport. Their campaign at Assen was not just a technical demonstration, but a deepening of the global conversation about mobility, energy, and the future of motorsport itself.
The RacerViews info
By Sam Tickell, with support from AI.
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