WEC News: Hyundai to race Hypercar with Genesis brand

Hyundai Motorsport is set to expand its motor sport activities with a launch of a top-level prototype endurance racing program entered under its premium Genesis brand.

A statement issued this morning (12 September) by Hyundai Motorsport and Genesis said:

“Genesis is proud to announce its ambitious entry into the world of endurance racing through the LMDh program. Genesis is actively exploring programs 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 analyzed 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.”

The statement did not specify any further details of the program such as when the manufacturer— the world’s third-largest carmaker — is looking to debut or which chassis its car will be based on.

Since its inception in 2012, Hyundai Motorsport, under its N brand, has tasted success in both the FIA World Rally Championship and in TCR-spec touring car racing. The South Korean brand claimed the WRC Manufacturers’ title in both 2019 and 2020, as well as notching up 31 individual rally wins to-date. It has additionally secured four world-level titles in TCR competition and no fewer than 21 regional and national TCR series titles, and 368 race wins in TCR-sanctioned competitions.

Hyundai similarly has prior pedigree in endurance racing, with class victories in the Nürburgring 24 Hours every year from 2020 to 2023.