Electric Cars

Genesis Magma Racing has officially begun the on-track development of its GMR-001 LMDh Hypercar, a crucial step in its journey toward competing in the World Endurance Championship. The inaugural shakedown occurred at the training facility adjacent to the Paul Ricard circuit, a significant event for the new challenger. This initial run was helmed by factory drivers Andre Lotterer and Pipo Derani, who are pivotal figures in the Hyundai brand’s ambitious two-car WEC entry slated for next year.

The successful shakedown, where Pipo Derani was the first to take the wheel, served as an essential precursor to a more comprehensive development program scheduled to commence later this month. While specific mileage details from this maiden outing remain undisclosed, the team expressed satisfaction with the GMR-001 Hypercar's performance. Francois-Xavier Demaison, the technical director overseeing this venture for Hyundai Motorsport, emphasized the immense value derived from every test run of the GMR-001 in 2025. The positive outcome of the shakedown, coupled with the extensive simulator work undertaken by Lotterer and Derani, provides a robust foundation for the forthcoming rigorous testing phase.

The GMR-001 is the first of three development chassis supplied by ORECA Motorsport, Genesis's partner in the LMDh initiative. This track debut comes shortly after the car’s engine was successfully fired up at ORECA’s nearby premises last month, adhering to the timeline established during the program's launch in Dubai late last year. Team principal Cyril Abiteboul conveyed his excitement, noting that seeing the car perform as envisioned after months of meticulous planning is immensely rewarding. The team is also actively establishing its new race operations base at Paul Ricard, and is gaining valuable experience by running an ORECA-Gibson LMP2 in the European Le Mans Series with IDEC Sport, preparing staff for the WEC season opener in Qatar next March.

The successful track debut of the Genesis GMR-001 Hypercar marks a promising start for the team's ambitious entry into the World Endurance Championship. This milestone underscores the meticulous planning and dedicated effort invested by Genesis Magma Racing and its partners, demonstrating that with clear objectives, strategic partnerships, and unwavering commitment, even the most challenging aspirations in motorsport can be realized, paving the way for future success and innovation in the competitive arena.

IndyCar ace Scott McLaughlin is preparing for a landmark entry into the Suzuka 1000Km race, fulfilling a long-held personal ambition. He will pilot a Chevrolet Corvette, joining a prestigious lineup and marking his second competitive outing in the Corvette Z06 GT3.R. This event also signifies the return of the Suzuka 1000Km to its traditional format, drawing a substantial field of competitors. Meanwhile, another team is set to revive a distinctive livery, adding a touch of nostalgic flair to the race.

McLaughlin's participation in the Intercontinental GT Challenge event at Suzuka underscores his versatility and passion for diverse motorsport disciplines. Sharing the cockpit with seasoned Corvette drivers, he aims to leverage their collective expertise to achieve a strong result. The event promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with a packed grid and the renewed challenge of the 1000km distance.

McLaughlin's Suzuka Dream Realized

Scott McLaughlin, a prominent figure in the IndyCar Series, is set to fulfill a long-cherished dream by competing in the upcoming Suzuka 1000Km. He will be behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R for the Malaysian Johore Motorsports Racing team, an opportunity he describes as a "bucket list" ambition. This will be McLaughlin's second appearance in a Corvette Z06 GT3.R, following his participation in the Daytona 24 Hours earlier this year. His previous sports car endeavors include a class victory at the 2023 Sebring 12 Hours and a win at the Bathurst 12 Hours in 2016, showcasing his adaptability across different racing formats.

The New Zealander's entry into the Suzuka 1000Km, scheduled for September 14, represents a significant moment in his diverse racing career. He will collaborate with Chevrolet factory drivers Alexander Sims and Nicky Catsburg, whom he affectionately refers to as his "General Motors friends" and "two amazing Corvette racers." Their combined experience and talent are expected to bolster the JMR Pro class effort. McLaughlin's transition from V8 Supercars to IndyCar at the end of 2020 has seen him frequently engage in sports car racing, demonstrating his continued commitment to various forms of high-performance competition. His excitement for racing at Suzuka, a track he has always admired, highlights the personal significance of this upcoming event for the accomplished driver.

The Suzuka 1000Km: A Return to Tradition

The Suzuka 1000Km, a highly anticipated round of the Intercontinental GT Challenge, is making a triumphant return to its historic format this year. After a hiatus since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event is reverting to its traditional 1000-kilometer distance, departing from the 10-hour format seen in its last two editions in 2018 and 2019. This change aims to bring the endurance race back to its roots, established in 1966, providing a classic challenge for the competitors.

The revised format sees the maximum race duration extended from six to six-and-a-half hours, a strategic adjustment designed to ensure the full 1000km distance can be completed. This year's event has attracted a strong and competitive field, with a total of 30 cars confirmed to participate. Among the notable entries, the Chinese Phantom Global Racing Porsche is set to captivate fans by adopting the iconic 'pink pig' livery. This distinctive design, first seen on a Porsche 917/20 at the 1971 Le Mans 24 Hours and revived by Porsche for its 2018 Le Mans GTE Pro assault, features German butcher's cuts of pork and is sure to be a crowd favorite. The return to tradition and the diverse entries promise an unforgettable endurance spectacle at Suzuka.