Jacky Ickx – the second-most successful driver in terms of outright victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans – was granted a very special opportunity last week, as he took to the track at Circuit Paul Ricard behind the wheel of Genesis Magma Racing’s GMR-001 Hypercar.
The South Korean brand – the luxury division of major automotive marque Hyundai – has made its motorsport debut this year in the FIA World Endurance Championship, acquitting itself admirably in the Imola curtain-raiser prior to scoring points in only its second outing earlier this month at Spa-Francorchamps.
Next up is the season’s showpiece event at Le Mans (10-14 June) – a race that Ickx famously won on no fewer than six occasions between 1969 and 1982. The Belgian’s extraordinary record at La Sarthe went untouched for more than two decades, until Tom Kristensen surpassed him with a seventh triumph in the twice-round-the-clock contest in 2005.
Two-time Formula 1 World Championship runner-up Ickx has stayed close to the endurance racing scene since retiring from full-time competition in 1985, and now aged 81, he acts as an advisor and ambassador for Genesis’ FIA WEC programme.
The team rewarded him for his input by inviting him to climb into the cockpit himself in southern France – representing his first on-track experience of a top-tier modern-day prototype – with the GMR-001 specially-liveried for the occasion to mirror his iconic helmet design.
“It’s indescribable,” Ickx admitted. “When I opened that door, I saw something I didn’t expect at all. I discovered the Genesis Magma Racing Hypercar, but in a dark blue livery with a white stripe, which was incredibly emotional.
“I’m living the most important moment of my life I think, because I’m sharing my passion for motor racing with other people. The human aspect for me, wow – what the team offered me here was absolutely unique.”
He joked in conclusion: “You can dream, and dreams can come true – but I promise you I’m not going to race next year!”
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