Genesis Magma Racing Makes History at 24 Hours of Le Mans

Key Takeaways

• Genesis Magma Racing made its debut at the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans, becoming the first South Korean automaker to compete in the prestigious race.
• The team finished with one car still in the fight, a remarkable achievement considering they didn’t exist 18 months prior.
• Genesis Magma Racing’s leadership team has impressive CVs, with experience in Formula 1, WRC, and IndyCar.
• The team partnered with Oreca to develop their LMDh-compliant hypercar, the GMR-001.
• Genesis Magma Racing’s powertrain was developed using two 1.6-liter inline-four-cylinder engines from Hyundai Motorsport’s WRC arsenal.

Building a Team from Scratch

In my experience, building a team from scratch is no easy feat. It requires a tremendous amount of effort, dedication, and expertise. Genesis Magma Racing’s team principal, Cyril Abiteboul, knows this all too well. With a background in Formula 1 and WRC, Abiteboul brought together a team of talented individuals with the right intentions, culture, and technical partners.

The team’s leadership has impressive CVs, with experience in various disciplines of motorsport. Gabriele Tarquini, sporting director, spent six years racing in Formula 1, while Justin Taylor, chief engineer, has experience in IndyCar and WEC.

Partnership with Oreca

Genesis Magma Racing’s partnership with Oreca was a critical piece of the puzzle. By using an existing Oreca chassis as a foundation, the team was able to streamline the development process and focus on other aspects of the car.

This partnership also gave the team the opportunity to do some reconnaissance work at Le Mans in 2025, when they fielded their own LMP2 entry partnered with IDEC Sport.

Powertrain Development

The team’s powertrain was developed using two 1.6-liter inline-four-cylinder engines from Hyundai Motorsport’s WRC arsenal. This pragmatic solution allowed the team to create a 3.2-liter twin-turbo V-8 that could withstand the demands of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

According to Abiteboul, the most difficult part of the process was validating everything. The team had to test the car over 300 kilometers, which is completely different from running a race over 24 hours.

Testing and Validation

Over the next eight months, the GMR-001 underwent multiple sessions of testing around the world. The initial tests served as a way to iron out any issues with the car’s overall construction, powertrain, and software.

Later sessions were used to dial in handling balance and assess durability. The team also gathered crucial data and tested the car under true racing conditions before the headline event arrived.

A Historic Debut

Genesis Magma Racing’s debut at the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans was a historic moment for the team and South Korean motorsport. The team finished with one car still in the fight, a remarkable achievement considering they didn’t exist 18 months prior.

The team’s performance was a testament to their hard work and dedication. As Jacky Ickx, six-time Le Mans winner and race advisor for the GMR team, said, “Everything has to be learned, and you have to be totally humble about that process.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Genesis Magma Racing?

Genesis Magma Racing is a South Korean motorsport team that competes in the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Who is the team principal of Genesis Magma Racing?

Cyril Abiteboul is the team principal of Genesis Magma Racing.

What is the name of Genesis Magma Racing’s hypercar?

The name of Genesis Magma Racing’s hypercar is the GMR-001.