Jaubert Shatters Records with Genesis Pole at FIA WEC Barcelona
Barcelona, Spain – Mathys Jaubert achieved a landmark victory in qualifying for the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), becoming the youngest overall pole sitter at just 21 years old. Jaubert also made history as the first Silver-rated driver to secure an overall pole position in the championship’s history. This pole position is particularly notable, as it signifies Genesis as the 11th manufacturer to achieve such a feat, joining a prestigious list of brands including Audi, Toyota, and Porsche. The Genesis GMR-001, built on the Oreca chassis, becomes the fourth LMDh car to claim pole, marking a significant milestone for the South Korean manufacturer in the realm of FIA World Championships.
In his post-qualifying comments, Jaubert expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “It’s an incredible feeling to be part of this history. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished as a team.”
Promoting the European Le Mans Series (ELMS)
As part of the ongoing promotional efforts, a fan zone has been established behind the main grandstand, showcasing information about the upcoming 4 Hours of Barcelona, the 2027 ELMS season opener scheduled for March 13-14, 2027.
Key Figures in Attendance
Notable figures spotted in the paddock include Tom Kristensen, the nine-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner, who presented the Hyperpole medals, and Alec Udell, the reigning ELMS LMGT3 Champion seeking opportunities in WEC. Team Penske President Jonathan Duiguid was also present, alongside McLaren Hypercar Team Principal James Barclay, who provided insights into recent testing developments involving the MCL-HY LMDh prototype.
McLaren’s Testing Update
Despite recent successful testing sessions, including participation by Lando Norris, Barclay confirmed there are no immediate plans for Norris to return to the Hypercar. “For now, no,” he remarked when questioned about Norris’s future involvement. He emphasized the importance of Norris’s testing feedback, highlighting its positive impact on the development of the vehicle.
“The fact that he wanted to drive the car and really push it was great,” said Barclay. “We gained valuable insights into the Hypercar’s strengths and areas for improvement.”
As the WEC continues to unfold, all eyes will be on how these developments influence the upcoming race strategies and manufacturer performances on track.
