Since Hyundai’s halo model Genesis revealed final month that will probably be going prototype racing sooner or later with an LMDh-spec challenger, it has stayed silent on the matter. However behind the scenes, the image is turning into clearer as its new program regularly comes collectively.
For this daring new challenge, RACER understands that Genesis is focusing on entries in each the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for its new automobile. (ED: Pictured above is the Genesis X Gran Racer VGT Idea)
On timing, there may be much less certainty, however it appears doubtless at this stage that in preparation for its transfer into Hypercar and GTP, it’ll commit some assets to a 2025 LMP2 program within the European Le Mans Sequence. This appears set to be a ‘white-label’ effort fielded by an present workforce, which might be used to bed-in crew and administration and get them in control with ACO guidelines and laws forward of its full manufacturing facility debut.
This satellite tv for pc workforce seems prone to be composed of present ELMS workers and an inexpensive variety of incoming Hyundai/Genesis personnel; some are understood to be transferring from the Hyundai WRC program. RACER is conscious that a number of groups have been within the combine to function this toe-in-the-water marketing campaign, together with a minimum of one not presently in LMP2 competitors.
In a wider context, the choice to go LMP2 racing first is a vital one. It strongly signifies that the Genesis FIA WEC program might be undertaken by an in-house workforce, not a service supplier.
On the time of writing, RACER believes that Genesis has now whittled down its checklist of potential groups for this effort to a few.
IDEC Sport and TDS Racing (Panis Racing) look to be two of the ultimate contenders for the trouble in 2025, with Romain Dumas’ RD Restricted – set to make its LMP2 debut within the Asian Le Mans Sequence – trying just like the third.
All three tick an essential field: they’re primarily based in southern France and boast high-quality workers and services. With Genesis’ forthcoming challenger recognized to be designed round an ORECA chassis, working the ELMS P2 workforce out of France is smart and will have a knock-on impact on program roll-out and timings.
Moreover, RACER is conscious that the manufacturing facility workforce is prone to set up its operational house in the identical area. Nevertheless, some features of the trouble are set to stay in Germany, the present house of Hyundai’s European and world motorsport efforts at manufacturing facility and buyer ranges.
On the IMSA facet of issues, the image appears considerably totally different, as Genesis is trying to find a longtime participant to behave as a service supplier for its GTP entries. In consequence, the whole North American effort is known to be at a much less superior level.
Who will run the IMSA program? Chip Ganassi Racing – now a free agent following its cut up with Cadillac – has been regularly namechecked by RACER’s sources as a workforce in a robust place, however it seems that a remaining deal has not but been carried out. There are rumblings that others stay within the combine, and a shock is just not out of the query.
As for the timeline, early indicators level to a 2026 aggressive debut for the brand new automobile, however whether or not or not it’ll race in each championships in 12 months one stays to be seen.
Essentially the most smart assumption is that the WEC might be part of that preliminary roll-out, as the important thing technical companions and the workforce’s administrative HQ look set to be primarily based in Europe.
On the opposite facet of the pond, IMSA’s season-opening stretch at Daytona and Sebring would supply two high-profile occasions to kick issues off, however present a significant problem for the workforce’s provide chain, logistics and improvement. That is one thing that the factories concerned within the preliminary roll-out of the GTP class again in 2023 famous.
Is it doable that Genesis targets a phased roll-out in North America later in 2026, and even, with a full season of WEC racing underneath its belt, in 2027? While nothing is for certain, it appears that evidently each choices are on the desk.
And while we’re a ways away from driver choice being mandatory, there seems to have been some motion already. RACER has spoken to a number of prime class drivers who’ve been in talks and it’s distinctly doable that we would see a reputation or two hooked up to the ELMS program.
Watch this area…
