- Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul announces key appointments during press conference at Circuit de la Sarthe
- Genesis announces brand entry into France, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands
- LMP2 driver lineup expanded with endurance racing legend André Lotterer
LE MANS, France, June 13, 2025 — Genesis today held a press conference during the 24 Hours of Le Mans, outlining the brand’s bold vision for Genesis Magma Racing.
Major highlights included key team management appointments, an update on development progress, and new market entries for the Genesis brand, announced from the Genesis Magma Racing booth in the Manufacturer Village at Circuit de la Sarthe.
Genesis Magma Racing is also participating in the race itself, represented in the LMP2 category by the #18 car driven by Jamie Chadwick and Mathys Jaubert, joined by three-time Le Mans winner André Lotterer.
Accelerating development and market expansion
Addressing the media, Genesis Magma Racing Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul provided an update on the latest development progress of the GMR-001 Hypercar, sharing news of a successful endurance dyno test for the combined engine and gearbox.
This test validated the team’s decision to adopt a V8 powertrain, streamlining development by leveraging Hyundai Motorsport’s existing World Rally Championship engine technology. Utilising the Group’s competitive 1.6-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, the GMR-001 powertrain effectively combines two units to create a high-performance V8 configuration.
Abiteboul also gave details on the expansion of Hyundai Motorsport as part of the creation of Genesis Magma Racing. The new team will operate from a base at Le Castellet, France, close to Oreca’s factory, where development continues for the first two cars that will be used in testing.
“The expansion of Hyundai Motorsport is essential to create a strong foundation of Genesis Magma Racing,” said Abiteboul. “The team is being created from strong parts wherever we find them. A strong chassis from Oreca, an ideal race base location in Le Castellet, experienced people from around motorsport and of course the best of the influences from Korean culture to drive us all forward at hyperspeed.”
Genesis Chief Creative Officer, Luc Donckerwolke, and Managing Director of Genesis Motor Europe, Xavier Martinet, also joined the press conference, revealing that the Genesis brand will officially enter four new European markets – France, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands – with first customer deliveries launching in 2026.
New team members bring vital experience to team
In addition, three new team members were revealed during the press conference. Anouck Abadie will take the role of Team Manager, Justin Taylor becomes the Chief Engineer and multiple Touring Car champion Gabriele Tarquini will take up the role of Sporting Director.
The three bring vast experience in their roles from different realms of motorsport and will integrate into the existing team structure led by Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul and Technical Director François-Xavier Demaison.
Abadie has experience working within the FIA and with leading endurance teams in both Team Manager and Sporting Director roles, most recently with GT squad Kessel Racing.
“This new project with Genesis Magma Racing gives us the opportunity to start from a white board, and we can build a strong team of motivated people who share our vision. It will be challenging for sure, that’s why it’s even more exciting. I can’t wait to see our car in action on track,” said Abadie.
Taylor, from the USA, will arrive at Genesis Magma Racing having recently acted as Race Engineer in two of the leading teams in the Hypercar and LMDh categories.
“Joining Genesis Magma Racing is very exciting for me,” said Taylor. “Coming onboard in the Chief Engineer role allows me a chance to develop our team and the GMR-001 Hypercar from the ground up, to be ready for the 2026 WEC season and beyond.”
He brings crucial experience of not just WEC, but also IMSA competition – critical as Genesis Magma Racing sets its sights on entering the North American-based championship in 2027.
Sporting Director joins from Hyundai Motorsport’s Customer Touring Car squad
Tarquini is one of the most successful Touring Car drivers of all time. The Italian has won the British, European and World Touring Car titles, as well as the inaugural WTCR FIA World Touring Car Cup title in 2018 with Hyundai Motorsport.
The three will fit into the team structure alongside the existing members of the team, including those coming from Hyundai Motorsport as part of Genesis Magma Racing’s Trajectory program. Abadie and Taylor will take up their roles immediately to be in place for the first on-track tests planned later this year.
“Anouck, Justin and Gabriele are fantastic additions to the Genesis Magma Racing team,” said Abiteboul. “Their experience in motorsport will be essential to the successful operation of the team and car through our testing this year as we prepare to race in the FIA World Endurance Championship next year.”
Trajectory drivers and first Le Mans experience
On track in 2025, Genesis Magma Racing’s LMP2 entry—run by IDEC Sport—features the #18 Oreca 07 car, with Jamie Chadwick and Mathys Jaubert joined by endurance legend André Lotterer. Chadwick and Jaubert, both in their first full season of prototypes, are part of the Genesis Magma Racing Trajectory program. They have already claimed LMP2 class victory in the ELMS season opener in Barcelona and an overall win in Le Castellet.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans provides both drivers and Hyundai Motorsport personnel from the Trajectory program a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the unique environment of Le Mans, further preparing the team for 2026.
On-site with Genesis at Le Mans
Genesis is hosting fans and media at the Manufacturer Village with a bold showcase:
- The full-scale GMR-001 Hypercar model—revealed in Europe for the first time —features an eye-catching livery inspired by Korean culture, with the word “Magma” written in Hangeul (마그마)
- A Brand Wall details Genesis’ 10-year journey, connecting its luxury design legacy with the innovation behind Genesis Magma Racing
- A selection of limited-edition Genesis and Le Mans merchandise is available for purchase and prizes, created exclusively for this event
