Genesis unveils its LMDh project and its first drivers

Since its announcement on September 12, Genesis has not given any other information regarding its future involvement in EnduranceWhat had been officially communicated was the chosen platform, the LMDh, and the desire to participate in the Endurance World Championship in 2026.

Photo: Genesis

It is this Wednesday, December 4th in Dubai (United Arab Emirates) that the premium branch of Hyundai unveiled the main outlines of this program. Genesis Magma Racing will line up two cars in WEC in 2026 and two more in IMSA from 2027. As expected, Oreca will be in charge of the chassis of this new prototype, named Genesis GMR-001 Hypercar. The French manufacturer is already responsible for building those of Acura in IMSA andAlpine in WEC. The GMR-001 hypercar and our Magma models represent the fusion of Genesis' performance ambitions with our design DNA, says Luc Donckerwolke, Genesis' creative director. From Magma's intense orange, which symbolizes Korean passion and energy, to the precision engineering behind every component, we enter a new chapter, where speed meets elegance. »

Ready to enter a new chapter, Genesis Magma Racing (GMR) has officially launched.

The centerpiece of Genesis' motorsport ambitions is making its debut.
Meet the Genesis GMR-001 Hypercar.

*Prototype model shown. pic.twitter.com/RarxLu2cAh

— Genesis USA (@GenesisUSA) December 4, 2024

Derani and Lotterer spearhead Genesis

This Endurance program of the South Korean brand will have a strong French accent, because IDEC Sport is confirmed as the operating team. It is with this team that Genesis Magma Racing will make its Endurance debut in 2025 in European Le Mans Series. On the driver side, two are officially confirmed. As previously announced by AUTOhebdo, Pipo Derani and André Lotterer will be part of this project.

Pipo Derani – Photo: IMSA

« The ambition of Genesis' Endurance project and the backgrounds of the people involved was an opportunity I couldn't turn down, declares the Brazilian. As a driver, being involved in a programme from the very beginning is very rewarding. I am looking forward to bringing my experience of developing cars and winning titles to the team. Given the competitiveness of LMDh, it will be a big challenge, but I believe all the necessary ingredients are in place for this journey into endurance racing to be a success. »

André Lotterer – Photo: DPPI

« I am very happy and grateful to join the Genesis brand for its entry into endurance racing, adds André Lotterer, triple winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Audi (2011, 2012, 2014) and double world endurance champion (with Audi in 2012, with Porsche (eb 2023). After winning the FIA ​​Hypercar World Endurance Championship this year, this opportunity is perfect for me to channel my work, experience, passion and motivation into a new project with a team of very ambitious people. I am looking forward to starting work on this project and building a successful future from the beginning. »

Sargeant, Chadwick and Jaubert with IDEC Sport in 2025

Before its debut in 2026, the Genesis Magma Racing team will collaborate with IDEC Sport from 2025 in the European Le Mans Series. The crew of this car is already known since it will be composed of the former driver of Formula 1 Logan sargeant (36 Grands Prix), the triple W Series champion (2019, 2021, 2022) Jamie Chadwick as well as the 19-year-old French hopeful Mathys Jaubert, Junior Porsche Carrera Cup France 2023. It is not specified whether these three names will be part of the adventure at the higher level in 2026.

To consolidate its ties with IDEC and Oreca, Genesis Magma Racing will set up its operations at the Paul-Ricard Circuit, close to the premises of the two French companies. The official launch of Genesis Magma Racing is a unique moment, welcomes Cyril Abiteboul, President of Hyundai Motorsport GmbH and Director of this new team. As a pillar of Hyundai Motor Group’s global motorsport operations, Hyundai Motorsport will play a vital role in this latest ambitious programme. We are taking our circuit racing expertise to a whole new level as we prepare to compete in some of the world’s most challenging series. »

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