Genesis Magma Racing enters ELMS in development year ahead of WEC

Genesis Magma Racing enters the 2025 ELMS season with IDEC Sport to gain experience ahead of its 2026 FIA WEC Hypercar debut.

Genesis Magma Racing is stepping onto the endurance racing stage in 2025, joining the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) as part of its strategic build-up to a full-season entry in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) with the GMR-001 Hypercar in 2026.

The team, partnering with IDEC Sport, will compete in the LMP2 category with car #18. Behind the wheel are Trajectory development drivers Jamie Chadwick and Mathys Jaubert, alongside seasoned racer Daniel Juncadella. The goal for this season isn't podiums — it's preparation. As team principal Cyril Abiteboul put it, “Starting from scratch in WEC without prior endurance experience quickly became a very scary idea.”

Hyundai Motorsport plays a central role in this venture. Abiteboul heads both organizations, underscoring the tight integration of Genesis within Hyundai’s motorsport framework. The GMR-001 Hypercar, developed under the direction of Luc Donckerwolke with support from ORECA, features a hybrid twin-turbo V8 powertrain. Its design and technical concepts were revealed in Dubai in late 2024, with additional plans to join IMSA competition in 2027.

For Chadwick and Jaubert, the ELMS marks their first full campaign in endurance Prototypes. They’ll race on six iconic circuits, including Barcelona, Spa, and Silverstone. For June’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, they will be joined by three-time overall winner André Lotterer, who sees his involvement as a “golden opportunity” to share experience with the young duo.

The team’s presence on the track will be impossible to miss. Adorned in vibrant magma orange, the car features Genesis Magma’s distinct geometric logo inspired by the Korean consonants ㅁ, ㄱ, ㅁ. These visual elements are not just branding—they’re part of a broader strategy to build recognition and legitimacy within the endurance racing world.

This year is not about chasing trophies — it’s about learning. The ELMS season is a proving ground, not only for drivers but also for mechanics, engineers, and strategists. Genesis Magma Racing aims to establish a reputation, gain operational reliability, and set the tone for their WEC entry next year. While podium finishes would be welcome, the true measure of success will be professionalism, consistency, and visibility.

Source: genesisnewsusa.com