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Genesis Magma Racing Reveals Ambitious Roadmap For 2026 Le Mans Debut And Team Expansion
Genesis recently held a press conference at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, unveiling its ambitious plans for Genesis Magma Racing. The event highlighted key management appointments, vehicle development updates, and market expansion into France, Spain, the Netherlands, and Italy. The conference took place at the Genesis Magma Racing booth in the Manufacturer Village at Circuit de la Sarthe.
The Genesis Magma Racing team is participating in the LMP2 category with car #18. This car is driven by Jamie Chadwick and Mathys Jaubert, alongside three-time Le Mans winner André Lotterer. This marks a significant step for Genesis as it ventures further into motorsport.
During the press conference, Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul announced new appointments within the team. Anouck Abadie will serve as Team Manager, Justin Taylor as Chief Engineer, and Gabriele Tarquini as Sporting Director. These individuals bring diverse experience from various motorsport disciplines to strengthen the team.
Abadie has worked with leading endurance teams and within the FIA. Taylor joins from top Hypercar and LMDh teams, while Tarquini is a celebrated Touring Car champion. Their expertise will be crucial as Genesis Magma Racing prepares for upcoming challenges.
Cyril Abiteboul also provided an update on the development of the GMR-001 Hypercar. A successful endurance dyno test confirmed their decision to use a V-8 powertrain. This engine combines two units of Hyundai Motorsport's 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder engine.
The team's race base is located in Le Castellet near Oreca's factory. Parts are arriving in France for building two cars for development testing. "The expansion of Hyundai Motorsport is essential to create a strong foundation for Genesis Magma Racing," said Abiteboul.
Market Expansion Plans
Genesis Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke and Managing Director Xavier Martinet announced that Genesis will enter four new European markets by 2027. "With Genesis Magma Racing, we are turning our design philosophy into pure performance," said Donckerwolke.
This expansion reflects Genesis's commitment to engaging with regions known for automotive excellence. The brand aims to launch its first customer vehicles in these markets by 2027.
On-Site Experience at Le Mans
At Le Mans, Genesis hosted fans and media at its Manufacturer Village booth. They showcased a full-scale model of the GMR-001 Hypercar with a livery inspired by Korean culture featuring "Magma" written in Hangeul (마그마).
A Brand Wall detailed Genesis's journey over ten years, linking its luxury design legacy with innovations behind Genesis Magma Racing. Limited-edition merchandise was available exclusively for this event.
LMP2 Entry and Trajectory Program
The LMP2 entry run by IDEC Sport features Jamie Chadwick and Mathys Jaubert alongside André Lotterer in car #18 Oreca 07. Both drivers are part of the Trajectory program aimed at preparing them for future challenges.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans offers valuable experience for both drivers and Hyundai Motorsport personnel involved in this program as they gear up for 2026 competitions.
Future Plans and Vision
Genesis Magma Racing plans to debut its GMR-001 Hypercar in FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) by 2026 followed by IMSA SportsCar Championship entry in 2027 using newly developed V-8 engines inspired by Hyundai’s WRC technology.
"Anouck, Justin and Gabriele are fantastic additions," said Abiteboul about new team members joining immediately ahead of planned tests later this year with GMR-001 Hypercar aiming towards next year's FIA World Endurance Championship participation.
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