Jacky Ickx, a legendary figure in motorsport, has expressed satisfaction with the progress made by Genesis in its inaugural season in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). The luxury car brand, a division of Hyundai, is focused on establishing itself in the competitive Hypercar category, with aspirations to ultimately claim victory at the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours.
This year marked Genesis' entry into the top tier of the WEC, where the team has fielded two GMR-001 LMDh prototypes, developed in collaboration with Oreca. This venture is significant, as both Genesis and its parent company Hyundai Motorsport are newcomers to the world of sportscar racing, presenting a steep learning curve in developing a competitive chassis and engine while simultaneously assembling a capable operational team.
In the early races of the season, Genesis encountered some reliability challenges but also demonstrated moments of impressive speed. The team managed to secure points at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit and achieved commendable qualifying positions, finishing sixth at both the Le Mans and Sao Paulo events.
Ickx, who has a remarkable history as a six-time Le Mans winner and currently serves as a sporting advisor for Genesis, believes the team possesses the essential components for success in the Hypercar division. He noted, “To start something like that from scratch, completely scratch, because Genesis is young, it’s only 10 years old, [is not easy].”
The former racing driver highlighted the importance of leadership and vision within the organization, stating that the commitment from the chairman to enter long-distance racing is crucial. He emphasized the cultural philosophy in Korea, which promotes perseverance, saying, “When something looks difficult, then you go for it, and you try to demonstrate that you can make the impossible possible.”
While acknowledging the steep competition in the Hypercar category, Ickx reiterated the team’s ambition, declaring, “The goal, without any doubt, is to win. The ultimate goal is winning Le Mans, like everyone - that’s the problem. The competition is high, but we are all very dedicated and proud to be busy doing that challenge.”
Genesis enlisted Ickx's expertise early in its Hypercar project, leveraging his extensive experience in endurance racing with renowned brands such as Ford, Ferrari, and Porsche. Ickx clarified that his role is not to coach the drivers directly but to ensure that the entire team functions cohesively.
He remarked on the dedication of the behind-the-scenes personnel who prepare the vehicles, stating, “The car is already a winning car before the race starts. The job at 90% is done before the start. It’s up to the driver to finish the job.” This sentiment underscores the collaborative effort required to achieve success in endurance racing.
Ickx emphasized the importance of passion in the sport, noting that the commitment of the team members is driven by their love for racing. “The harder it is, the better it is, and that’s what makes the challenge so interesting,” he added, reflecting on the shared goal of victory among the talented individuals involved in the project.
As Genesis continues its journey in the World Endurance Championship, the focus remains on building a strong foundation while striving for excellence in one of motorsport's most demanding arenas.
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