Genesis, the Hyundai Motor Group’s premium brand, formally launched its prototype programme this evening at a slick presentation evening in Dubai.
At the event, the South Korean brand revealed its new team name (Genesis Magma Racing), its new car (the GMR-001), two drivers (Andre Lotterer and Pipo Derani) and outlined the brand’s plans to compete in the FIA WEC and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Genesis’ first top class prototype, the GMR-001, is an LMDh prototype based on an ORECA chassis. It will compete for the first time in the FIA WEC in 2026, before (as expected) being entered into IMSA’s GTP class in 2027.
The bodywork features key styling cues from the brand’s road car range, including its “signature Two Lines lighting” on the front and rear, a “sweeping parabolic line” on its sides and other nods to its Magma concept line-up, which were also on display at the event.
The car’s design concept was produced by Genesis Design Europe under the leadership of Luc Donckerwolke, the brand’s chief creative officer.
The design was revealed in large scale model form at the launch, as well as in renders released to the media.
“This entry into motorsport is a natural evolution for Genesis,” said Donckerwolke. “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.
“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, symbolising Korean passion and energy, to the precision engineering behind each component, we are entering a new chapter where speed meets elegance.”
The Genesis team will be backed by Hyundai Motorsport, with Cyril Abiteboul acting as team principal for Genesis Magma Racing in addition to his roles as Hyundai Motorsport team principal and president.
“The official launch of Genesis Magma Racing is a momentous occasion,” said Abiteboul. “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.”
As for the drivers, former Cadillac factory driver Pipo Derani and ex-Porsche Penske Motorsport Hypercar driver Andre Lotterer became the first two to be confirmed. The pair, who bring a wealth of top class prototype experience to the team, will take part in the development of the car and then race it from 2026 onwards.
“I am beyond thrilled and thankful to join the Genesis brand for its entry into endurance racing,” said Lotterer, who will have a chance to win a third WEC Drivers’ title with a third manufacturer (after Audi and Porsche) when this new chapter with Genesis begins.
“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 added: “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.”
In the meantime, as part of its preparations to enter the FIA WEC, Genesis Magma Racing will cut its teeth in the European Le Mans Series with partner team IDEC Sport. This collaboration will allow Genesis team members to get up to speed with ACO rules racing before the WEC programme starts.
The ORECA 07 which Genesis will operate with IDEC Sport will be driven by former F1 driver Logan Sargeant, ex-British GT4 and W Series champion Jamie Chadwick and 19-year-old Frenchman Mathys Jaubert.
Genesis Magma Racing will run its endurance programme from a base in the south of France at Circuit Paul Ricard, close to both ORECA and IDEC Sport.
Also confirmed is that both the 2026 WEC programme and the 2027 IMSA effort will field two cars apiece with the IMSA programme to feature, as suggested by DSC previously a partner team.
The WEC team’s race base is set to be ready by the end of Q2 2025 with track testing from Q3.
“Track testing we hope will start in summer 2025 with a view to start racing in 2026. It’s 16 months and a challenge for all involved,” Abiteboul said on stage.
The team principal also revealed the first details of the new car’s ICE engine telling journalists that it was based on Hyundai’s World Championship-winning WRC engine though no other details were revealed.
