Genesis Magma Racing Progresses with GMR-001 Testing at Magny-Cours
Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, France— Genesis Magma Racing has successfully completed a critical three-day testing session for its GMR-001 Hypercar, focusing on performance enhancements. This marks a significant progression since its initial endurance run at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve.
Driving duties were shared among the team’s confirmed pilots: Pipo Derani, André Lotterer, Mathys Jaubert, and Daniel Juncadella. Derani noted considerable advancements in system stability, stating, “As we get to the part of the development where things have been stabilized, we can switch focus to getting the maximum from the package we have.”
The team benefitted from diverse weather conditions, allowing for valuable insights into the car’s mechanical setup. Juncadella commented on the importance of increased mileage and varying track conditions: “We were always moving in the right direction.”
A planned artificial wet track scenario on the final day was rendered unnecessary due to rain on the second day. Sporting Director Gabriele Tarquini explained, “It was perfect timing… We got to run on a very wet track, but also while the circuit was drying as well.”
Jaubert praised the car’s performance in wet conditions, highlighting improvements to traction control systems. “Overall, we made a lot of systems improvements,” he said, adding that the car’s balance felt commendable during wet conditions.
New challenges presented by significantly lower temperatures, which peaked at 17°C, prompted the team to refine tire warm-up strategies. Chief Engineer Justin Taylor remarked, “We can learn things which we wouldn’t get a chance to do during a race weekend.”
The test also featured a version of Michelin’s near-2026-spec Hypercar tire, critical for evaluating performance under diverse track conditions. Lotterer elaborated, “We learned about our traction control and all the up- and downshifts to make sure everything works correctly in the wet.”
Reflecting on the results, Tarquini affirmed, “This was a very positive three days… The drivers were able to give good feedback. We know the direction to go for the next tests, which will be very important.”
The Genesis GMR-001 is set to make its competitive debut during the FIA World Endurance Championship season opener, the Qatar 1812KM, scheduled for March 26-28, 2026.
Images courtesy of Genesis Magma Racing.
