Genesis Magma Racing’s new GMR-001 Hypercar – which will join the FIA World Endurance Championship’s top-tier in 2026 – has conducted a successful shakedown ahead of an extensive testing schedule over the coming months.
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 at Le Castellet in the south of France.
The shakedown marked the latest milestone for the Korean manufacturer’s FIA WEC programme, which was officially launched late last year. The rapid progress is a tangible sign of the ‘Hyperspeed’ philosophy at the heart of the team.
“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 intended is incredibly exciting,” commented Genesis Magma Racing Team Principal, Cyril Abiteboul.
“We are also beginning the process of moving into our new facility at Le Castellet, and the start of testing will bring together the different streams of work – the design and development of the chassis and engine, equipping a workshop and building the team.”
Following the installation of the engine, hybrid system and gearbox – along with the successful fire-up of the team’s prototype last month – ORECA mechanics finalised the build, before delivering the car to Genesis Magma Racing’s engineers, who will take the lead in testing. The renowned French firm will remain part of the long-term project, supporting the ongoing development and homologation of Genesis’ Hypercar.
Race drivers André Lotterer and Pipo Derani will take to the track in the upcoming tests. The German and Brazilian have already participated in simulator sessions, completing calibration of the virtual model of the GMR-001 and establishing a baseline set-up to maximise the benefits of the initial running.
Preparations for the first full test were concluded during the shakedown – in which the car appeared in bare carbon-fibre – to check the mechanical and electrical systems. The team will now embark upon an extensive series of tests at circuits around Europe.
“Every bit of running we do with the GMR-001 Hypercar in 2025 is extremely valuable,” explained Genesis Magma Racing Technical Director, FX Demaison. “The preparation work that André and Pipo have done on the simulator and in the shakedown means we have a good starting-point for the first tests.
“Working with our chassis partner, ORECA throughout the testing and development phase, we can quickly take the data from each test, find solutions and validate them to be able to take full advantage of every moment.”
Watch FIA WEC live or on-demand via the official FIA WEC TV app – your full-access pass to the FIA World Endurance Championship including the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans. Don’t miss a moment. For further information, check out the app.
