OFFICIAL - Genesis (Hyundai Motor Group) to enter Endurance Racing (MAJ)

Remember back in June, after the 24 Hours of Le Mans, we gave you a sneak preview that Hyundai Motor Group was preparing to enter endurance racing in 2026. This information has since been picked up by other media... and has now been officially confirmed by the Korean group, which is betting more than ever on motor sport to promote its brand, much like Toyota. And in our favourite discipline, this will be via its premium Genesis brand.

The news is brief, to say the least, and confirms only three things: that Hyundai Motor Group will indeed be entering endurance racing, that the entry will be under the Genesis brand and that it will be based on the LMDh platform. A second communication, with more details, is expected in the coming weeks.

WHAT THEY SAID

“Genesis is proud to announce its ambitious entry into the world of endurance racing through the LMDh programme. Genesis is actively exploring programmes to strengthen its high-performance image, and after a thorough evaluation of various options, LMDh emerged as the most strategic choice for us at this time.

“We have carefully analysed LMDh and found it to be a natural fit for our motorsport ambitions and a valuable platform to drive the development of future mobility technologies for road cars. Endurance racing presents an unparalleled opportunity to showcase Genesis’ cutting-edge technology, design philosophy and performance-driven character in a highly competitive arena. This project is part of our broader vision for the future of mobility.”

WHAT WE KNOW...

To be totally honest, not much more than what we announced last June, namely that the arrival of Genesis is scheduled for 2026 after several months of development and testing next year. Although no date has yet been officially set.

The chassis chosen will be the one designed by Oreca. The car will therefore be the fruit of a collaboration between the French company and Hyundai Motorsport, all supervised by François-Xavier Demaison, who will be the Technical Director of the Endurance programme. As for the engine, it will be designed in-house.

As the WRC programme continues, it will not be possible to set up in Alzenau, Germany. No, as we previously reported, the troops of Cyril Abiteboul - Hyundai Motorsport Director - are said to be looking for (or even to have found) a new HQ near the Paul Ricard circuit, possibly in Signes, where Oreca is based.

Not wanting to leave anything to chance, and well aware of its lack of experience in Endurance racing, Hyundai Motorsport is said to be forging a partnership in 2025 with a team operating in LMP2, in order to train engineers and mechanics in particular. In all likelihood, as far as we know, it could be a French one.