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The hydrogen fuel cell-powered prototype that will take the spot on the Le Mans 24 Hours grid reserved for an experimental car has run on track for the first time.

The GreenGT H2, which produces the power for its electric motors from an emissions-free hydrogen fuel cell, was given a shakedown at the weekend in Switzerland and then ran at the Lurcy-Levis and Magny-Cours tracks in France on Monday and Tuesday respectively.

Driving duties were undertaken by Christian Pescatori, a former Sebring 12 Hours winner with Audi.

GreenGT boss Jean-Francois Weber said: "We have gained a lot of information during these three driving sessions, especially concerning fuel cell stability and aerodynamic balance.

"We can now go back to our workshops to upgrade the lab version of the GreenGT H2 to the race version and continue our development programme".

The GreenGT powertrain has been running on the test bench at the team's headquarters in Switzerland since the end of last summer.

It had been planned to test the set-up in the car, which has been built by long-time Le Mans entrant Welter Racing, as early as September 2012.

The reason for the delay is believed to be centred on the need to overcome the power surge from the fuel cell on start-up.

The Green GT H2 will take up the so-called 'Garage 56' entry for Le Mans in 2013, which last season was filled by the Nissan-powered DeltaWing and next year will be taken by an all-electric car developed by the Japanese manufacturer.