Genesis Magma Racing Unveiled: Hyundai-Backed Team to Enter FIA WEC Hypercar Class in 2026
Genesis has officially announced its entry into the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Hypercar category from 2026 as Genesis Magma Racing, marking a landmark moment for the South Korean luxury brand. Backed by Hyundai Motorsport, Genesis Magma Racing will campaign a two-car effort featuring the striking GMR-001 Hypercar.
The announcement, made in Dubai, highlights Hyundai’s ambition to extend its motorsport success into endurance racing while showcasing Genesis’ unique blend of performance, luxury, and design innovation.
Cyril Abiteboul to Lead as Team Principal
Hyundai Motorsport President Cyril Abiteboul, fresh from winning the FIA World Rally Championship title with Thierry Neuville, will take on the role of Team Principal. He emphasized that Genesis Magma Racing represents Hyundai Motor Group’s next step in elevating its circuit racing expertise to the global stage.
Star Drivers Confirmed: Lotterer and Derani
The first two drivers for the program have been confirmed as André Lotterer, reigning FIA WEC World Champion, and Luis ‘Pipo’ Derani, a two-time IMSA title-winner. Both drivers will support the car’s technical development and simulator work through 2025 before competing in 2026.
Lotterer expressed his excitement at joining Genesis, calling the project the “perfect fit” for his passion and experience. Derani echoed the sentiment, adding that being involved from the start of such an ambitious program is a “highly rewarding opportunity.”
Genesis GMR-001 Hypercar: A Fusion of Speed and Elegance
The centerpiece of Genesis’ Hypercar debut is the GMR-001, developed at Genesis Design Europe. Reflecting the brand’s “Athletic Elegance” design language, the car features bold lines, precision engineering, and the vivid Magma orange signature color, symbolizing Korean energy and passion.
Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke described the project as a natural evolution for the brand, combining high performance with luxury and staying true to Genesis’ audacious and distinctly Korean identity.
Road to 2026: LMP2 Preparation and Strategic Base in France
Before its WEC debut, Genesis Magma Racing will collaborate with IDEC SPORT to enter the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) in 2025 with an LMP2 car. The program will feature rising stars Logan Sargeant (USA), Jamie Chadwick (UK), and Mathys Jaubert (France).
To strengthen its endurance racing operations, Genesis will establish a permanent base at Circuit Paul Ricard, strategically located near endurance specialists ORECA Motorsport and IDEC SPORT.
Genesis’ entry into the FIA WEC Hypercar category in 2026 is a bold declaration of intent, blending luxury, cutting-edge design, and motorsport heritage. With Abiteboul at the helm, Lotterer and Derani in the cockpit, and the GMR-001 Hypercar embodying the brand’s vision, Genesis Magma Racing is poised to make an immediate impact on the world stage.
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