Genesis remains "realistic" in the face of the "colossal challenge" of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Genesis Magma Racing will make its debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with its two GMR-001s. The Korean manufacturer is taking a cautious approach to the Sarthe classic.

Published 04/06/2026 à 10:37

Valentin GLO

  Comment on this article! 0

Genesis remains "realistic" in the face of the "colossal challenge" of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

© Genesis Magma Racing

After only two races in the World ChampionshipEndurance (6 Hours of Imola and 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps), Genesis Magma Racing's Endurance program is preparing to face the biggest challenge of its young existence: that of 24 Hours of Le Mans.

« Our debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans is a major moment for Genesis Magma Racing, Explain Cyril Abiteboul, director of the Genesis Magma Racing team. Since the program was announced, this date has been on everyone's mind. Becoming the first South Korean manufacturer to participate in Le Mans is a huge honor, and we will welcome many Genesis guests from around the world to show them our work and immerse them in the world of motorsport, as well as the unique atmosphere of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. »

Having secured points in their first race in Belgium, the Asian firm is now tackling the Le Mans 24 Hours. However, there is no question of revising their initial objective upwards. However, we know that this race will represent a colossal challenge for us: in terms of both the reliability of the car and the operation of the team, adds Abiteboul. We must therefore remain realistic about our expectations, even after a good start to the season in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). If we manage to bring both our GMR-001 Hypercars to the finish line, that will be the main positive lesson we can take away for the rest of the year. »

Gabriele Tarquini, sporting director of the Genesis Magma Racing program, considers the 24 Hours of Le Mans as " the ultimate race for a driver, an iconic event in motorsport ". " It's a unique challenge, judge the Italian, whose only appearance as a pilot dates back to 1985 on a Porsche 956 (DNF). For Genesis Magma Racing, this is our first participation at Le Mans, and being part of it represents another important step in our history. »

« From a sporting perspective, our goal is to run a clean race, seize every opportunity, and continue to improve throughout the event. explains the man with 38 starts in Formula 1 from 1987 to 1995. This race is not just about speed: you also have to manage energy, both your own and that of the car, stay focused and avoid mistakes for 24 hours. »

« For a driver, the most important thing is to arrive at the start perfectly prepared, 100% physically and mentally. Le Mans is extremely demanding, from the first day on the circuit until the checkered flag. Every detail counts to ensure the weekend runs as smoothly as possible. Clear communication between the driver and the engineer, good traffic management, and consistent performance throughout a stint are essential. »

For their first attempt at Le Mans, Genesis Magma Racing will sport a brand-new livery. In a nod to magma, the two GMR-001 cars will race in orange and red. The driver lineups remain unchanged from the start of the season: André Lotterer, Pipo Derani, and Mathys Jaubert will still be paired in the #17, while Mathieu Jaminet, Paul-Loup Chatin, and Daniel Juncadella will team up in the #19.

ALSO READ > Sessions, support races, entertainment… The complete program for the week of the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans

Valentin GLO

Journalist. Endurance reporter (WEC, IMSA, ELMS, ALMS) and sometimes F1 or IndyCar.

Autohebdo Store

See the shop

Comment on this article! 0

Read also

Comments

0 Comment (s)

Write a comment