Genesis Names Gabriele Tarquini Sports Director for LMDH Program
Table of Contents
- Genesis Names Gabriele Tarquini Sports Director for LMDH Program
- Key Personnel Additions to Genesis magma Racing team
- Genesis LMDH Program: A Step into Endurance Racing
- Genesis LMDH Key Program Details
- Endurance Racing’s Resurgence: A Historical Perspective
- frequently Asked Questions About the Genesis LMDH program
- What is the significance of the LMDH program for Genesis?
- How does the LMDH platform differ from previous prototype regulations?
- What are the key goals for genesis in the 2026 WEC season?
- How will Gabriele Tarquini’s experience benefit the Genesis LMDH program?
- What impact will the Genesis LMDH program have on the brand’s image?
Genesis has announced the appointment of Gabriele Tarquini, a former Formula 1 driver and touring car champion, as its sports director for its Le Mans Daytona Hybrid (LMDH) program. This key appointment signals Genesis’ commitment to competing at the highest levels of endurance racing. Anick Abadie has been named team manager, and Justin Taylor will serve as chief engineer, rounding out the leadership team.
Key Personnel Additions to Genesis magma Racing team
The South Korean automaker is bolstering its team with experienced individuals as it prepares to enter the FIA World Endurance championship (WEC) in 2026. The appointments of Abadie, Taylor, and Tarquini fill critical roles within the Genesis Magma Racing Team, Hyundai’s performance and technology division. These additions complement the existing team led by cyril Abiteboul, the team principal, and Francois-Xavier Deraison, who is expected to be the technical director.
Did You Know? The LMDH platform allows manufacturers to compete in both the WEC and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with a single car, reducing development costs.
Anick Abadie: Team Manager
Anick Abadie brings a wealth of experience in motorsport management to Genesis. As 2022, she has served as a sports director at Kessel Racing, a GT racing team.Her prior experience also includes work with the FIA, the governing body for many auto racing events. Her expertise in team coordination and sporting regulations will be invaluable as Genesis prepares for its WEC debut.
Justin Taylor: Chief Engineer
Justin Taylor’s background includes engineering roles with both Audi and Ferrari. He worked with Audi during their successful LMP1 program and more recently with Ferrari on their hypercar project. Taylor’s experience with advanced racing technologies and vehicle dynamics will be crucial in optimizing the performance of the Genesis GMR-001 LMDH prototype.
Gabriele Tarquini: Sports Director
Gabriele Tarquini’s appointment is perhaps the most notable. The Italian driver participated in 78 Formula 1 Grand Prix races between 1987 and 1995. He achieved greater success in touring car racing,winning the FIA World Touring Car Cup (WTCR) in 2018 at the age of 56 while driving a Hyundai. His extensive racing experience and familiarity with the Hyundai brand make him an ideal fit for the sports director role.
Pro Tip: The role of sports director involves overseeing all sporting aspects of the racing program, including race strategy, driver management, and compliance with regulations.
Genesis LMDH Program: A Step into Endurance Racing
Genesis officially presented its GMR-001 LMDH prototype in April 2024, signaling its intent to compete in the top tier of endurance racing. The program will begin in the WEC in 2026, followed by an expansion into the IMSA series in 2027. The GMR-001 is based on an LMP2 chassis from Oreca and will be powered by a 3.2-liter V8 engine developed by Hyundai. The LMDH platform is designed to be more cost-effective than previous prototype regulations, encouraging more manufacturers to participate.
The Genesis LMDH program aligns with a broader trend of manufacturers returning to endurance racing, driven by the convergence of regulations between the WEC and IMSA.Brands like Porsche, Cadillac, and BMW have already launched LMDH programs, creating a highly competitive landscape.
Genesis LMDH Key Program Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | Le Mans Daytona Hybrid (LMDH) |
| WEC Entry | 2026 Season |
| IMSA Entry | 2027 Season |
| Chassis | Oreca LMP2 |
| Engine | 3.2-Liter V8 (Hyundai) |
| Key Personnel | Gabriele Tarquini (Sports director), Anick Abadie (Team Manager), Justin Taylor (Chief Engineer) |
With the appointment of key personnel and the development of the GMR-001 prototype, Genesis is making significant strides toward its goal of competing at the highest levels of endurance racing. The team is currently focused on development testing,with Abadie and Taylor already in Le Mans preparing for the program. The first tests of the GMR-001 are expected to take place soon.
Endurance Racing’s Resurgence: A Historical Perspective
Endurance racing, exemplified by events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of daytona, has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. These races test the limits of both drivers and machines, demanding reliability, efficiency, and strategic prowess. The LMDH formula represents a new era for endurance racing, attracting manufacturers with its cost-effective approach and the possibility to compete on a global stage. The convergence of regulations between the WEC and IMSA has created a unified platform, making it more appealing for manufacturers to invest in endurance racing programs. This resurgence is also fueled by advancements in hybrid technology and sustainable fuels, aligning with the automotive industry’s shift towards electrification and environmental responsibility. The return of iconic brands like Ferrari and Porsche to the top class of endurance racing has further heightened the excitement and prestige of these events.
frequently Asked Questions About the Genesis LMDH program
What is the significance of the LMDH program for Genesis?
The LMDH program represents Genesis’ commitment to high-performance engineering and its ambition to compete against the world’s leading automotive brands in endurance racing.
How does the LMDH platform differ from previous prototype regulations?
The LMDH platform is designed to be more cost-effective, using standardized chassis components and a spec hybrid system, encouraging more manufacturers to participate.
What are the key goals for genesis in the 2026 WEC season?
In its debut season, genesis aims to establish itself as a competitive force in the WEC, gathering data and experience to improve its performance in subsequent years.
How will Gabriele Tarquini’s experience benefit the Genesis LMDH program?
Tarquini’s extensive racing experience, especially his success in touring car racing and his familiarity with Hyundai, will provide valuable insights and leadership to the team.
What impact will the Genesis LMDH program have on the brand’s image?
The LMDH program is expected to enhance Genesis’ brand image, showcasing its engineering capabilities and its commitment to innovation and performance.
What are your predictions for Genesis’ performance in the 2026 WEC season? Which other manufacturers do you see as their main rivals?
Disclaimer: This article provides information about Genesis’ LMDH program and related personnel appointments. It does not constitute financial or investment advice.
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