Genesis Magma Racing

Genesis Magma Racing made history when the GMR-001 rolled to the start line at the 2026 6 Hours of Imola. The team became the first Korean constructor to compete at the highest level of the FIA World Endurance Championship, carrying the Genesis brand from Hyundai Motor Group into a form of motorsport that only a handful of manufacturers in the world have the resources and ambition to attempt. The Korean flag on the Hangeul lettering for 'Magma' written across the car's bodywork marked a genuine first for the sport.

The GMR-001 is a Le Mans Hypercar built in partnership with Oreca, the same French chassis constructor that works with Alpine. At its core is the Genesis G8MR, a 3.2-litre turbocharged V8 engine developed specifically for endurance racing.

Genesis Magma Racing entered the 2026 season with a clear and honest stated objective: finish races, then build from there. At Imola, both cars completed the race, a result the team celebrated as an important foundation. The number 17 car is driven by Pipo Derani, Mathys Jaubert, and Andre Lotterer, while the number 19 carries Paul-Loup Chatin, Daniel Juncadella, and Mathieu Jaminet. Former Porsche and Audi factory driver Lotterer brings substantial LMH experience to the team, and Jamie Chadwick serves as official reserve driver.

The programme has been 499 days in preparation from concept to race, and the team's goal-by-goal approach reflects both realism about the learning curve and genuine ambition about where the GMR-001 can ultimately compete. The Genesis brand is luxury-focused and globally minded, and the WEC provides exactly the international stage the marque needs to establish motorsport credibility alongside its road car identity.