Genesis concludes its 2025 testing with three days in Barcelona

Just over a year after the team's official announcement in Dubai, this successful test illustrated the progress made by Genesis Magma Racing and the GMR-001 Hypercar throughout 2025.

A team was built from scratch, bringing together technicians and engineers from endurance racing as well as members of Hyundai Motorsport, which was part of the Trajectory Programme and integrated into IDEC Sport's LMP2 team in the European Le Mans Series. The Barcelona test was a key event for operational processes, with full complements of mechanics and engineers for both test cars, as well as team management and Jacky Ickx, six-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, in his role as a sports advisor.

« It's like a rehearsal before going on stage, so it was very important to do it. said Anouck Abadie, the team manager. Knowing that everyone works well together is crucial, because when you bring together people from different teams and backgrounds, you can't expect them to know each other from the first race. So, before closing out 2025, it was essential for us to complete at least one test with a nearly full team. We had 75 people, about 80% of the team present here, which allows us to see if any adjustments are needed. Overall, I'm very pleased and optimistic seeing the team working together. »

The test also marked a major milestone in the development of the Genesis G8MR 3,2-liter twin-turbo V8 engine at the heart of the car. Designed and assembled by Hyundai Motorsport, the engine was first started in February, kicking off a series of dyno tests to achieve efficiency, power, and reliability targets. During the days in Barcelona, ​​the engine in car #17 surpassed 8,000 km—a key reliability target—before the test concluded.

« Achieving our reliability goal is a huge accomplishment for us. said Justin Taylor, chief engineer of Genesis Magma Racing. Going into the season knowing you can't finish the longest and most important race, it's hard to stay motivated. The engine team had the biggest job in the whole project, and this is a testament to the work they put in. »

A successful test to conclude a remarkable year

The team completed three full days of testing with both cars. This follows the confirmation of the driver lineups for the season. WEC In 2026, this test provided another opportunity for drivers and engineers to work together in preparation for next year. The drivers of the #17 GMR-001 — André Lotterer, Pipo Derani and Mathys Jaubert — shared a car sporting a new "liquid metal" livery, topped with the Korean Hangeul script for "Magma", which inspired the geometric Genesis Magma Racing logo on the engine cover.

Mathieu Jaminet and Dani Juncadella shared the sister car with 2026 reserve driver Jamie Chadwick, continuing their learning behind the wheel of the GMR-001 Hypercar. Paul-Loup Chatin, who will complete the crew of the No. 19 in 2026, was not allowed to drive the car until the new year.

On track, the program focused on optimizing reliable performance within the framework of the WEC technical regulations, on a circuit representative of many tracks on the FIA ​​WEC calendar. The presence of two cars allowed for doubling the amount of data collected.

« We have come a long way since the first test, particularly in terms of reliability. adds André Lotterer. In Barcelona, ​​with two cars, we were focused on performance, and in particular on software optimization. We came with a new aerodynamic package, building on what we learned, and we were also able to test the new tires on one car. We maximized our track time and collected a huge amount of data, so we're leaving smarter than when we arrived. »

« I think we're approaching the Christmas break with a positive mindset, because we know we can now focus on other things and have a little less to worry about. Of course, there's still a lot of work to be done next year for many people, but I'm confident. " concludes Justin Taylor.

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