Genesis Magma Racing has secured highly accomplished Hypercar drivers Andre Lotterer and Pipo Derani to lead their ambitious WEC project.
Reigning WEC champion Andre Lotterer and two-time IMSA title-winner Luis ‘Pipo’ Derani have been officially confirmed as the first drivers for Genesis Magma Racing, marking a major milestone for the luxury automotive brand as it prepares to enter the FIA World Endurance Championship Hypercar class in 2026.
The announcement was made during a high-profile event in Dubai, where Genesis unveiled its ambitious motorsport plans with introduction of the GMR-001 Hypercar that will compete in this prestigious racing series.
Genesis, a premium brand under the Hyundai Motor Group umbrella, has been gearing up for its entry into motorsport for some time.
The launch of Genesis Magma Racing represents a bold step into the competitive world of endurance racing, where manufacturers vie for supremacy on some of the most challenging circuits globally.
The GMR-001 Hypercar is set to be a formidable contender in the Hypercar category, which includes some of the most advanced and powerful racing machines in the world.
Developed at Genesis Design Europe, the GMR-001 embodies the brand’s design philosophy of “Athletic Elegance,” combining high performance with luxury aesthetics.
The car’s chassis is based on an ORECA platform, known for its reliability and performance in endurance racing, while its bodywork reflects elements of Genesis’s road car designs.
The launch of Genesis Magma Racing aligns with Hyundai’s broader strategy to boost its motorsport portfolio, building on recent successes in various racing disciplines including the World Rally Championship (WRC) and TCR World Tour.
The team will be led by Cyril Abiteboul, former head of Renault F1 and now president of Hyundai Motorsport. Abiteboul’s leadership is expected to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team as they prepare for their inaugural season.
Andre Lotterer and Pipo Derani will not only serve as Hypercar drivers but also play crucial roles in the technical development of the GMR-001 throughout 2025.
This preparation period is essential as they will engage in extensive simulator sessions and on-track testing to refine the vehicle’s performance ahead of its competitive debut.
Lotterer, a seasoned racer with three Le Mans victories to his name, brings invaluable experience and insight into endurance racing dynamics.
“I am beyond thrilled and thankful to join the Genesis brand for its entry into endurance racing,” said Lotterer.
“After winning the FIA WEC Hypercar 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.”
Meanwhile, Derani’s extensive background in prototype racing, particularly with Cadillac in IMSA, positions him as a key asset to the team.
“The ambition behind Genesis’s endurance racing project and the track record of those involved was an opportunity I couldn’t refuse,“ Derani added. “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 addition to their WEC commitments, Genesis Magma Racing plans to participate in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) during 2025. This strategic move will allow them to gain vital experience and data before entering the WEC arena.
The team will collaborate with IDEC SPORT to field an LMP2 entry featuring promising talents such as Logan Sargeant, Jamie Chadwick, and Mathys Jaubert.
Genesis Magma Racing will operate from a permanent base at Circuit Paul Ricard in southern France. This location is strategically chosen for its proximity to ORECA and IDEC Sport, facilitating collaboration on technical developments and operational strategies as they gear up for their dual entries into WEC and IMSA by 2027.
The team’s race base is expected to be ready by mid-2025, with track testing anticipated to commence by summer 2025.
