Hyundai's Genesis to enter WEC hypercar class in 2026

05 December 2024 - 08:25 By Reuters
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
Newly launched Genesis Magma Racing will draw on Hyundai Motorsport’s expertise in global motorsport as it embarks on an endurance program in WEC and IMSA.
Newly launched Genesis Magma Racing will draw on Hyundai Motorsport’s expertise in global motorsport as it embarks on an endurance program in WEC and IMSA.
Image: Supplied

Hyundai's luxury Genesis brand will compete in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), which has the 24 Hours of Le Mans as its jewel in the crown, from 2026 with a hypercar entry.

The Genesis Magma Racing team project was presented at an event in Dubai on Wednesday.

Germany's Andre Lotterer, WEC champion with Porsche this year and a three-time Le Mans winner, will be joined by Brazilian Pipo Derani, winner of the 12 Hours of Sebring, in the two car WEC entry.

Former Caterham and Renault F1 boss Cyril Abiteboul, who currently leads the Hyundai world rally team that won this year's drivers' title with Belgian Thierry Neuville, will be principal of the Le Castellet-based team.

The LMDh (Le Mans Daytona) GMR-001 hypercar will use a chassis developed by Le Mans regulars Oreca, who also work with Renault-owned Alpine and Honda's Acura.

Genesis will also run a European Le Mans Series (ELMS) project with IDEC Sport next year and enter the US-based IMSA sports car championship in 2027.

The ELMS LMP2 drivers will include former Williams Formula One driver Logan Sargeant and Jamie Chadwick, a three-time winner of the now-defunct all-female W Series, and 19-year-old French racer Mathys Jaubert.


subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.