South Korean automotive manufacturer Genesis fully launched its top-class prototype sports car program this evening with a large-scale presentation in Dubai.
At the event, the brand revealed its team name (Genesis Magma Racing), its new car (the GMR-001), its first two drivers (Andre Lotterer and Pipo Derani) and outlined its plans to compete in both the FIA World Endurance Championship and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in the coming years.
The GMR-001, renderings of which were shown for the first time during the announcement, is an LMDh-spec prototype based on an ORECA chassis. It will compete in the FIA WEC first in 2026, before joining IMSA’s GTP class with two cars and a to-be-announced partner team in 2027. Track testing will start next summer.
In line with the other LMDh chassis produced in recent years, its bodywork features key styling cues from the brand’s road car range, including Genesis’ signature “Two Lines lighting” on the front and rear, a “sweeping parabolic line” on its sides and numerous additional nods to its Magma road car concept cars, which were also on display at the launch.
The car’s design concept was produced by Genesis Design Europe under the leadership of Luc Donckerwolke, the brand’s chief creative officer.
“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, symbolizing Korean passion and energy, to the precision engineering behind each component, we are entering a new chapter where speed meets elegance.”
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For this new venture 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, two were revealed and on hand. Former Cadillac factory ace Derani and ex-Porsche Penske Motorsport Hypercar driver Lotterer have been signed and bring a wealth of top-class prototype experience to the team. They will take on test and development duties before racing the GMR-001 in 2026.
“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.”
Two-time IMSA champion 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.”
Before Genesis Magma Racing competes in the FIA WEC for the first time, it will spend the 2025 season competing in the European Le Mans Series’ LMP2 class with partner team IDEC Sport. This collaboration will allow Genesis’ team members to get up to speed with ACO rules racing before joining the world championship.
The ORECA 07 which Genesis will operate with IDEC 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.
As expected, Genesis Magma Racing has confirmed that it will run its endurance program from a base in the south of France at Circuit Paul Ricard, in close proximity to both ORECA and IDEC.