Genesis, the luxury arm of Hyundai, is about to make its bold entry into the world of motorsport with the formation of Genesis Magma Racing. The new team is set to compete in two of the most prestigious racing series in the world: the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). Genesis will launch its racing program with two entries in the top-tier LMDh (Le Mans Daytona h) class, aiming for a 2026 debut in the WEC and a 2027 introduction in IMSA.
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Team Leadership and Star Drivers
At the helm of Genesis Magma Racing will be Cyril Abiteboul, a veteran of the motorsport world. Abiteboul, currently the president of Hyundai Motorsport and previously associated with Caterham and Renault in Formula 1, brings a wealth of experience to the team. He will lead the squad alongside two highly respected drivers: André Lotterer, the WEC champion with Porsche in 2024, and Luis Felipe “Pipo” Derani, a highly skilled Brazilian racer. Together, Lotterer and Derani will play a pivotal role in the development of the team’s Hypercar over the course of 2025, before racing it in the 2026 season of the WEC.
Genesis GMR-001 Hypercar: A Glimpse into the Future
The newly unveiled GMR-001 Hypercar marks a significant milestone for Genesis in its motorsport journey. This high-performance machine will compete in the LMDh category, where it will battle against some of the most renowned names in endurance racing. While details about the car remain scarce, it is known that the GMR-001 will produce around 670 horsepower, and its powertrain will feature a turbocharged V8 engine. Additionally, the car will include a hybrid system, adhering to the regulations of the LMDh class.
The GMR-001 was first revealed to the public in Dubai, where fans were treated to a half-scale model of the car. The design is sleek and aerodynamic, featuring the brand’s signature Genesis wings on the front. Additionally, the parallel headlights echo the design of Genesis’s production cars. The side profile showcases the brand’s signature parabolic lines, while the rear of the car is sculpted with cutouts, likely intended to improve cooling and aerodynamics.
A Strategic Partnership for the 2025 Season
As Genesis prepares for its LMDh debut, the team is partnering with IDEC Sport for the 2025 European Le Mans Series. This collaboration will field a new LMP2 team. It will provide crucial endurance racing experience ahead of the full LMDh campaign in 2026. Fans in North America will recognize drivers like Logan Sargeant, who recently raced in Formula 1. Jamie Chadwick, who won her first Indy NXT race this year, will also be part of the team. Alongside rising star Mathys Jaubert from France, these drivers will help Genesis Magma Racing prepare for the challenges ahead.
A Bright Future for Genesis in Endurance Racing
Genesis’s entry into motorsports is a natural step. It follows in the footsteps of brands like Ferrari, Porsche, and Mercedes, who have demonstrated how racing can boost brand image. Therefore, Genesis aims to replicate this success. Ultimately, the hope is that wins on the track will lead to stronger brand recognition and higher sales of their road cars.
With an experienced team, a promising new car, and a strong partnership, Genesis Magma Racing is poised to make a major impact in endurance racing. Meanwhile, anticipation is building for the upcoming WEC and IMSA seasons. As a result, motorsport fans around the world will be watching closely as this new team takes on the high-stakes world of global racing.
Looking Ahead to 2026
With the countdown to the 2026 WEC season already underway, Genesis Magma Racing is poised to make a significant impact. Its meticulous planning, experienced team, and advanced Hypercar signal a promising start in the competitive world of endurance racing.
As Genesis ventures into this exciting chapter, the question remains: will its racing success translate into greater success on the showroom floor? One thing is certain—motorsport enthusiasts will be watching closely.
FAQs About Genesis Magma Racing and the GMR-001 Hypercar
What is Genesis Magma Racing?
Genesis Magma Racing is the newly launched motorsports division of Genesis, the luxury brand under Hyundai. The team will compete in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) starting in 2026 and in the IMSA series in 2027. They will field two entries in the LMDh Hypercar class.
What is the GMR-001 Hypercar?
The GMR-001 Hypercar is Genesis’s first prototype built for top-tier endurance racing in the LMDh category. This hybrid-powered race car is expected to deliver around 670 horsepower. Its design is inspired by Genesis’s road cars, blending striking aesthetics with cutting-edge performance.
Who is leading Genesis Magma Racing?
Cyril Abiteboul, an experienced motorsports executive, is leading Genesis Magma Racing. He was previously the team principal of Renault and Caterham Formula 1 teams.
Who are the drivers for Genesis Magma Racing?
The team’s WEC lineup includes seasoned racers André Lotterer and Luis Felipe “Pipo” Derani. They will also help develop the GMR-001 Hypercar in 2025.
For its 2025 LMP2 program in the European Le Mans Series, Genesis has selected Logan Sargeant, Jamie Chadwick, and Mathys Jaubert. They will gain crucial endurance racing experience.
When will Genesis Magma Racing make its debut?
- WEC debut: The team will officially join the WEC grid for the 2026 season.
- IMSA debut: Genesis Magma Racing will enter IMSA competitions in 2027.
- LMP2 program: The team will participate in the 2025 European Le Mans Series as part of its preparation.
What is the LMDh class?
The Le Mans Daytona hybrid (LMDh) class is an endurance racing category. It blends advanced hybrid technology with strict regulations. These regulations ensure balanced performance across all entries. Cars in this class can compete in both the WEC and IMSA championships, making it a globally recognized category.
What makes the GMR-001 unique?
The GMR-001 combines Genesis’s luxurious design ethos with high-performance engineering. With its hybrid powertrain, aerodynamic design, and signature Genesis features; such as parallel headlights and a parabolic side profile.
Why is Genesis entering motorsports now?
Genesis’s entry into motorsports is part of its strategy to elevate its global brand profile and showcase its engineering prowess.
By competing at the highest level, Genesis seeks to bridge the gap between its track success on the road.
How will Genesis benefit from participating in motorsports?
Motorsports serve as a proving ground for cutting-edge automotive technology. In fact, success on the track boosts brand prestige, draws new customers, and directly impacts road car development. As a result, it aligns perfectly with the philosophy: “Win on Sunday, sell on Monday.”
Where can I follow Genesis Magma Racing?
Follow Genesis Magma Racing’s journey through their official website, social media, and WEC/IMSA championship coverage.
