- Genesis Magma Racing is in the final stages of preparation for the first test with the GMR-001 Hypercar
- The first of three development cars was completed by chassis partner ORECA in early August, before being handed over to Genesis Magma Racing at the team’s newly completed Race Base facility at Le Castellet
- Drivers André Lotterer and Pipo Derani have completed preparation for the first tests, with sessions in the team’s simulator and a successful shakedown of the car
Le Castellet, France, Wednesday 13 August: Genesis Magma Racing is preparing for the first full test of the GMR-001 Hypercar (GMR-001), following the completion of the first car by chassis partner ORECA, and a successful shakedown.
Appearing in bare carbon fibre, the car is the first of three development chassis to be built in the coming months to support the development and homologation of the GMR-001 ahead of its race debut in the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship.
Finished car brings different strands of development together
The completion and shakedown of the first functioning GMR-001 chassis is the latest milestone for Genesis Magma Racing since the official announcement of the project last December. The rapid progress as the project continues according to schedule is a tangible sign of the ‘Hyperspeed’ philosophy at the heart of the team.
“We are at a time where we seem to be passing milestones every day, but this is exactly what we must be doing,” said Genesis Magma Racing Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul. “After planning for and talking about these moments for the last eight months, to be able to see a finished car running exactly as we planned is incredibly exciting.”
He continued: “We are also starting the process of moving into the new Genesis Magma Racing facility at Le Castellet. The start of testing is the beginning of bringing the different streams of work together — the design and development of the chassis, the design and development of the engine, equipping a workshop and building the team.”
Preparations for first tests underway
Following the installation of the engine, hybrid system and gearbox, along with the successful fire-up of the car last month, ORECA mechanics completed the build before delivering the car to Genesis Magma Racing engineers, who will take the lead in testing the car. As the chassis partner, ORECA will remain part of the long-term project, supporting the development of the GMR-001.
Genesis Magma Racing drivers André Lotterer and Pipo Derani, who will drive in the upcoming tests, have undertaken sessions in the simulator, completing calibration of the virtual model of the GMR-001 and establishing a baseline set-up to maximise the benefits from the first session. The final preparations for the first full test were completed at a successful shakedown of the car to check the mechanical and electrical systems, which gave both Lotterer and Derani their first chance to drive the GMR-001.
After the initial running, the team will embark on an extensive testing schedule at circuits around Europe, with findings from each test analysed and applied by the team’s engineers and mechanics at the Genesis Magma Racing facility and confirmed by the drivers’ continuing simulator work.
Genesis Magma Racing Technical Director, FX Demaison, said: “Every bit of running we do with the GMR-001 Hypercar in 2025 is extremely valuable. The work in preparation that André and Pipo have done on the simulator and during the shakedown means that we have a good starting point for the first tests. Working with our chassis partners at ORECA throughout the testing and development, we can quickly take the data from each test, find a solution and validate it to be able to take full advantage of every moment.”
About Genesis Motor Europe
Founded in Seoul, Genesis is a leader in premium electrified cars with a vibrant, distinctly Korean spirit.
Launched in Europe in 2021, the brand’s award-winning premium models offer a luxurious ownership experience, defined by advanced technologies, dynamic performance and the trademark ‘Athletic Elegance’ design philosophy. Genesis’ European lineup includes GV60, Electrified GV70 and Electrified G80, offering effortless refinement, intelligent features, and unique interior concepts inspired by ‘the beauty of white space’.
Headquartered in Frankfurt, Genesis Motor Europe operates in Germany, Switzerland, and the UK – as part of its ongoing market growth strategy, the brand will launch in France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands in 2026. Underlining its position as a design-driven performance brand, Genesis will introduce GV60 Magma, its first high performance model, and debut the Genesis Magma Racing LMDh car in the 2026 World Endurance Championship.
Genesis is dedicated to a sustainable future and aims to become carbon net zero by 2035.
For more information about Genesis, please visit www.genesis.com.
