Hyundai have announced an exciting new programme that will see them enter into endurance racing with their own LMDh prototype.
The Korean manufacturer have been a stalwart on the World Rally Championship scene thanks to the German Hyundai Motorsport facility. Since 2017, they have finished in the top two of the manufacturers’ championship, winning two titles in 2019 and 2020.
As they lead both WRC standings in 2024 heading into the next round in Chile, Hyundai’s future in the championship is uncertain beyond 2026, with team principal Cyril Abiteboul admitting that a private team could run Hyundai’s operation in the series.
Now, in the wake of this uncertainty, the manufacturer has revealed that they will be building their own LMDh prototype under its Genesis branding.
Hyundai hold discussions with Chip Ganassi Racing after the announcement of their LMDh Genesis programme
In a team statement by Hyundai revealing the programme, they said: “The LMDh programme will add a new pillar to Hyundai Motorsport’s portfolio.
“Since its establishment in 2012, Hyundai Motorsport has been competing in WRC and TCR with Hyundai.
“Genesis, the premium brand of the Hyundai Motor Group, will add endurance racing to the disciplines of its motorsport activities.”
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The statement did not give any timeline as to when or if they will enter the World Endurance Championship or the IMSA SportsCar Championship.
According to a report from Autosport, Hyundai are expected to enter the WEC as early as 2026 and compete on both the world and North American stages. But it is not clear as to “whether Hyundai will enter both championships concurrently”.
Hyundai have “agreed a partnership with French constructor ORECA for the design and build of its LMDh hybrid” and are believed to be in discussion with several teams over a potential partnership, including the likes of Cool Racing, IDEC Sport and TDS Racing.
According to Autosport, another team “known to have been in contact with Hyundai” is Chip Ganassi Racing. The five-time Indianapolis 500 winners appear to be one of the frontrunners to head the IMSA operation of the Genesis programme.
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How big of a deal would a partnership with Chip Ganassi Racing be for Hyundai?
A potential partnership with CGR would be an exciting one for Hyundai, given the team’s experience in sports car racing as well as open-wheel racing.
CGR currently run in the WEC and IMSA with Cadillac Racing and have enjoyed great success in the former with both Ford and Cadillac with several race wins and podiums. Sebastien Bourdais and Renger van der Zande currently sit third in the drivers’ championship in 2024.
CGR will end its involvement with Cadillac in both championships come the end of the season, with Jota set to take over its WEC programme.
With CGR not under any partnership in the future and with their experience, it would prove extremely valuable for Hyundai to strike a deal as they embark on their latest championship quest.