The FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) is preparing to welcome a new heavyweight in 2026 as Genesis, the South Korean luxury automaker, takes its first major step into sportscar racing. Armed with its LMDh prototype, the GMR-001, Genesis has assembled a team that blends ambition, expertise, and cutting-edge technology. At the heart of this bold new venture are two veteran drivers: Andre Lotterer and Pipo Derani, each bringing their own unique motivations and career trajectories to the program.
A Sensible Approach: Partnering with ORECA and ELMS Campaign
Rather than diving headfirst into uncharted waters, Genesis has taken a measured approach to its racing debut. Partnering with the proven chassis supplier ORECA, Genesis has opted for the cost-effective and performance-focused LMDh platform, allowing the team to leverage ORECA’s expertise while developing their powertrain in-house.
In 2025, Genesis will sharpen its teeth in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS), collaborating with IDEC Sport to gain experience with ACO-regulated prototype racing. This will serve as the testing ground for the GMR-001 before its homologation and entry into the WEC.
Lotterer: The Veteran’s Swan Song
At 43 years old, three-time Le Mans winner and reigning WEC champion Andre Lotterer brings a wealth of experience to Genesis. With a career spanning Audi, Porsche, and Formula E, Lotterer’s decision to join Genesis represents not just a fresh challenge but also a legacy-building opportunity.
“It’s inspiring and fulfilling to be at the beginning of a journey,” Lotterer said. “After everything I’ve done in my career, I want to bring my experience to help build a competitive program from the ground up.”
Lotterer’s technical expertise and ability to guide a team through the intricate world of top-class endurance racing make him an invaluable asset for Genesis as it prepares to challenge established giants like Toyota and Ferrari.
Derani: Betting on the Future
For 31-year-old Pipo Derani, Genesis represents a bold leap of faith. Having achieved immense success in IMSA, including wins at Sebring and Daytona and two championship titles, the Brazilian sought a new challenge in WEC. Despite opportunities to stay with Cadillac and Action Express, Derani chose to leave his comfort zone.
“After you’ve achieved so much, you ask yourself: ‘What’s next?’” Derani reflected. “Building a program from the ground up was the motivation I needed. It’s about pushing myself and finding that edge again.”
While Derani won’t compete in top-tier WEC or IMSA races in 2025, his focus will be on honing the GMR-001’s performance through rigorous simulator work and testing.
Ambitious Targets for a Competitive Field
Genesis enters WEC’s Hypercar class at a time when competition has never been fiercer. Toyota, Ferrari, Porsche, and Peugeot headline a growing list of manufacturers vying for supremacy in the category. However, the convergence regulations, which prioritize cost containment and parity, give new entrants like Genesis a fighting chance.
Lotterer acknowledges the steep learning curve but remains optimistic:
“Compared to the ultra-expensive LMP1 era, the current regulations make it feasible to be competitive earlier. With ORECA’s proven base and our focus on software, powertrain reliability, and driver input, we have a real opportunity to achieve something special.”
2025: A Crucial Year of Development
The 2025 season will be pivotal for Genesis as it puts the GMR-001 through its paces. Both Lotterer and Derani will spend countless hours refining the car’s setup, ensuring its reliability, and optimizing performance ahead of its homologation.
Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul, the former Renault F1 boss, has expressed confidence in the long-term commitment of Genesis to endurance racing:
“This is not a one-season wonder. Genesis is committed to competing through the current regulation cycle and beyond, with the aim of becoming a championship contender.”
A New Era Beckons
The arrival of Genesis in WEC is one of the most anticipated stories in modern endurance racing. With the combined talents of Lotterer, Derani, and a meticulously crafted strategy, the South Korean automaker has set itself up to make an impact on the world stage.
Can Genesis’ bold approach pay off? Will Lotterer and Derani guide the GMR-001 to victory against the giants of endurance racing? The countdown to 2026 has begun.
