South Korean automotive giant Genesis has officially launched its ambitious foray into top-tier prototype sports car racing, igniting excitement with a spectacular presentation in Dubai. This marks a significant step for the brand, showcasing its commitment to performance and innovation on the global motorsport stage with the “Genesis Lmdh Prototype Sports Car Program”.
The grand event served as the platform to introduce Genesis Magma Racing, the brand’s newly formed team, and their cutting-edge challenger, the GMR-001. Adding to the anticipation, Genesis unveiled its initial driver lineup: accomplished racers Andre Lotterer and Pipo Derani, signaling their intent to compete at the highest levels of endurance racing. The program outlines participation in both the prestigious FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the fiercely competitive IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in the coming years, promising thrilling battles on iconic circuits worldwide.
The Genesis GMR-001: A Hypercar Born from Magma
The GMR-001, showcased through captivating renderings, is an LMDh-specification prototype meticulously engineered upon an ORECA chassis. Genesis will initially enter the FIA WEC arena in 2026, followed by a two-car assault on IMSA’s GTP class commencing in 2027. A crucial phase of track testing is slated to begin next summer, ensuring the GMR-001 is primed for peak performance.
Mirroring the design language of other contemporary LMDh cars, the GMR-001’s bodywork proudly exhibits signature Genesis styling cues drawn from its road car portfolio. The distinctive “Two Lines lighting” signature graces both the front and rear, while a “sweeping parabolic line” elegantly defines its profile. Furthermore, the design incorporates numerous evocative nods to Genesis’s striking Magma road car concept series, several of which were also prominently displayed at the Dubai launch event, emphasizing the program’s performance-oriented DNA.
Design Philosophy: Marrying Speed and Elegance
Luc Donckerwolke, the Chief Creative Officer at Genesis, and his Genesis Design Europe team spearheaded the GMR-001’s design concept. Donckerwolke articulated the intrinsic link between motorsport and the brand’s evolution: “This entry into motorsport is a natural evolution for Genesis. As we look to push the boundaries of our brand, motorsport allows us to bring the spirit of hyperspeed — which drives how we create and innovate — in a way that aligns perfectly with our core values: Audacious, progressive, and distinctly Korean.”
He further elaborated on the design ethos, stating, “The GMR-001 Hypercar and our Magma models represent a fusion of Genesis’ performance ambitions with our design-driven DNA. From the intense orange of Magma, symbolizing Korean passion and energy, to the precision engineering behind each component, we are entering a new chapter where speed meets elegance.”
Hyundai Motorsport’s Backing and Team Leadership
The Genesis Magma Racing endeavor benefits from the robust support of Hyundai Motorsport. Cyril Abiteboul will assume the pivotal role of team principal for Genesis Magma Racing, while concurrently maintaining his responsibilities as team principal and president of Hyundai Motorsport. This synergy leverages Hyundai Motorsport’s extensive expertise in global motorsport.
Abiteboul emphasized the significance of this launch: “The official launch of Genesis Magma Racing is a momentous occasion. As the backbone of Hyundai Motor Group’s global motorsport activities, Hyundai Motorsport will play a vital role in this latest ambitious program. We are elevating our circuit racing expertise to a whole new level as we prepare to compete in some of the world’s most challenging series.”
World-Class Driver Lineup: Lotterer and Derani Join Forces
Genesis Magma Racing has secured the talents of two highly acclaimed drivers: Pipo Derani, formerly a Cadillac factory driver, and Andre Lotterer, a seasoned ex-Porsche Penske Motorsport Hypercar driver. Both drivers bring a wealth of experience in top-tier prototype racing to the nascent team. They will be instrumental in the car’s testing and development phase before taking the wheel of the GMR-001 in competition come 2026.
Lotterer expressed his enthusiasm for this new chapter: “I am beyond thrilled and thankful to join the Genesis brand for its entry into endurance racing. After winning the FIA Hypercar World Endurance drivers’ championship this year, this opportunity is the perfect fit for me to channel my work, experience, passion and motivation into a new project with a team of highly ambitious individuals. I am excited to start working on this project and build a successful future from the very beginning.”
Derani echoed this sentiment, highlighting the project’s appeal: “The ambition behind Genesis’s endurance racing project and the track record of those involved was an opportunity I couldn’t refuse. As a driver, being involved in a project from the start is highly rewarding. I look 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 here to make this endurance journey successful.”
Road to WEC: ELMS LMP2 Campaign in 2025
Prior to its WEC debut, Genesis Magma Racing will strategically participate in the European Le Mans Series’ LMP2 class throughout the 2025 season, partnering with IDEC Sport. This collaboration serves as a crucial learning and preparation phase, allowing Genesis team members to acclimate to ACO rules racing before stepping up to the world championship stage.
The ORECA 07 LMP2 car operated by Genesis and IDEC Sport will feature a notable driver lineup, including former Formula 1 driver Logan Sargeant, ex-British GT4 and W Series champion Jamie Chadwick, and rising French talent Mathys Jaubert.
As anticipated, Genesis Magma Racing has established its operational base for the endurance program in close proximity to both ORECA and IDEC, at Circuit Paul Ricard in the south of France. This strategic location facilitates seamless collaboration and maximizes efficiency as they gear up for their exciting journey into hypercar racing.
