Genesis Magma Racing Nears LMDh Debut with GMR-001
Lusail International Circuit, Qatar – Genesis Magma Racing’s GMR-001 LMDh program is entering its final testing phases ahead of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Prologue and the car’s debut in March. As the team meticulously prepares, principal Cyril Abiteboul acknowledges the challenges ahead: the project is ambitious but still unproven.
The GMR-001, developed in partnership with ORECA, combines a turbo V8 engine derived from World Rally Championship technology with a chassis designed within tight timelines. With approximately 20,000 kilometers of testing completed, the car requires final adjustments before homologation. Key challenges include reliability and software calibration, critical for success in the competitive Hypercar category.
“We’re about 95 percent there; the final five percent will be tough,” explains Abiteboul. “We need to ensure safety, legality, and reliability as our main objectives for the season.”
The team now consists of approximately 60 experienced personnel, many poached from top programs like Ferrari and Porsche, ensuring a strong human resource background. However, Abiteboul is cautious, stating, “We’re entering a well-established and competitive environment.”
Testing has revealed several areas needing improvement, including cooling efficiency and managing turbo lag with Michelin’s 2025 tires. Durability is a focus, with an engine target set at around 8,000 kilometers.
“Our aim is to finish races and stay on the lead lap,” says Abiteboul. Close collaboration with ORECA has provided critical technical support, although challenges persist with the supply chain, especially due to F1’s regulatory changes.
The GMR-001’s future in the WEC hinges on robust software solutions and effective torque management within the hybrid powertrain framework. “We have a solid base, but execution is vital,” said Abiteboul.
As Genesis approaches its inaugural race, the spotlight is on gathering actionable data at the Lusail Circuit. If successful, the GMR-001 could mark the foundation of a sustainable and competitive presence in endurance racing for the Korean brand.
