The dawn of the GMR-001: Genesis ignites its WEC ambitions!

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Feast your eyes on the Genesis GMR-001, the sleek new titan ready to shake up the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Draped in a mesmerizing grey-black livery punctuated by vibrant orange accents, the LMDh prototype is undoubtedly a statement of intent from the Hyundai Group.

After a grueling six-month odyssey of testing that spanned from the mist of Magny-Cours to the searing heat of Qatar, the GMR-001 is officially stepping out of the shadows and onto the grid for its competitive baptism at the Imola 6 Hours on April 17.

Building a world-class racing program from scratch is no small feat, but the Genesis squad has attacked the challenge with meticulous precision. Utilizing a sophisticated Oreca chassis paired with a bespoke, in-house 3.2-litre twin-turbo V8, the team has already logged thousands of miles.

During a massive 30-hour endurance simulation in Algarve, the car proved its mettle, surviving the "minor gremlins" that haunt every new project and emerging with the kind of reliability that wins titles.

For three-time Le Mans winner Andre Lotterer, the journey has been a rewarding professional milestone.

Having joined the project at its infancy, Lotterer has been instrumental in fine-tuning the complex software that serves as the modern endurance battleground. Comparing his new ride to his legendary past machines, Lotterer is buzzing with optimism.

"The car is a joy to drive. Compared to the Porsche, it feels very different – more precise, more linear, and it gives you a bit more confidence. It feels like a 'purer' driving experience," Lotterer noted.

To ensure this ambitious project has the hands to match its heart, Genesis has curated a formidable six-driver roster that blends seasoned champions with hungry new talent.

Lotterer will be joined onboard the #17 entry by Pipo Derani and Mathys Jaubert, while the #19 car will be handled by former Porsche standout Mathieu Jaminet, Paul-Loup Chatin, and the versatile Daniel Juncadella.

While the long-term goal is undoubtedly a historic trophy at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, all eyes are now on Imola. Will the "pure" driving feel and meticulous preparation translate into a podium-threatening debut? The countdown to the green flag is on!

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.