The Genesis GMR-001 rolls in the rain in France

Genesis Magma Racing completed three days of testing for the GMR-001 Hypercar at the Circuit Magny-Cours between October 28th and 30th, marking a significant shift in development: for the first time, they pursued pure speed instead of just verifying basic functionality.

The program had begun in July with the successful first firing of the biturbo V8 engine at ORECA's facilities. In August, André Lotterer and Pipo Derani completed the initial shakedown at Le Castellet, where they verified that all mechanical and electrical systems were working correctly during the prototype's first real laps.

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Photo By Genesis

The Magny-Cours tests represented the next phase: extracting maximum performance from the package. Lotterer and Derani were joined by Mathys Jaubert and Dani Juncadella to evaluate the GMR-001's behavior in variable conditions, taking advantage of the rain that dominated much of the sessions.

"We need to build a setup toolbox for all conditions," explained Gabriele Tarquini, Sporting Director. "The drivers must be able to adjust the car for any circumstance." The team tested tires with specifications close to those they will use in 2026 and worked on traction control during wet conditions. The low temperatures, with highs of 17-18°C, allowed them to evaluate tire warming protocols different from those used in previous sessions.

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Photo By Genesis

"The car felt very good in the wet," commented Jaubert. "We ran in damp conditions and also when it was really raining during the night. We improved the traction control systems a lot." The 3.2-liter biturbo V8 engine, built by combining two 1.6 turbo units from the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 which has accumulated 32 wins in the WRC, completed all endurance tests without technical problems.

Genesis Magma Racing has few additional sessions scheduled before starting the official homologation process. The debut is scheduled for the 2026 WEC, including Le Mans, followed by participation in IMSA GTP during 2027.