Genesis Magma Racing is gearing up for the highly anticipated first full test of its all-new GMR-001 Hypercar, following the completion of the first chassis by technical partner ORECA and a successful shakedown. The bare carbon-fiber machine marks a pivotal milestone in the team’s rapid development program ahead of its 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) debut.
First of Three Development Chassis Completed
The completed GMR-001 Hypercar is the first of three development chassis scheduled to be built in the coming months. These prototypes will support both performance development and homologation ahead of the car’s competitive debut. The project, officially announced in December 2024, is progressing on schedule — a testament to the team’s “Hyperspeed” development philosophy.
“We are at a time where we seem to be passing milestones every day,” said Cyril Abiteboul, Team Principal of Genesis Magma Racing. “After planning and talking about these moments for the last eight months, to see a finished car running exactly as we planned is incredibly exciting.”
Alongside the test preparations, the team is also moving into its new state-of-the-art facility at Le Castellet, which will centralize operations for chassis and engine development, workshop operations, and team coordination.
Extensive Testing Program Ready to Begin
Following successful installation of the engine, hybrid system, and gearbox, the GMR-001 underwent its first fire-up last month. ORECA’s mechanics completed final assembly before handing the car over to Genesis Magma Racing engineers, who will now lead the testing phase with ongoing support from ORECA.
Factory drivers André Lotterer and Pipo Derani have already conducted multiple simulator sessions to fine-tune the virtual model of the GMR-001, establish a baseline setup, and prepare for real-world track conditions. The shakedown provided both drivers with their first taste of the hypercar’s handling and performance, as well as confirmation that mechanical and electrical systems are functioning as intended.
“Every bit of running we do with the GMR-001 Hypercar in 2025 is extremely valuable,” explained FX Demaison, Technical Director of Genesis Magma Racing. “The simulator work and shakedown mean we have a strong starting point. By working closely with ORECA, we can turn test data into solutions quickly and validate them to maximize every track session.”
European Circuit Testing Schedule
The upcoming full test session marks the start of an intensive development schedule at circuits across Europe. Each outing will be followed by in-depth data analysis at the Le Castellet base, with findings fed back into both simulator work and on-track adjustments.
With three chassis planned, a growing team, and the first on-track runs imminent, Genesis Magma Racing is positioning itself as a serious contender in the Hypercar class when it lines up on the 2026 FIA WEC grid.
