"A challenge that appeals to me": we met the 2024 world endurance champion at the Paul-Ricard circuit in Le Castellet

To dive into the world endurance championship next year with Genesis, its premium brand, Hyundai has focused on experience. It's headed south to establish itself in the Var region, near the Paul Ricard circuit, where the new South Korean WEC player will move into a wing of the vast IDEC Sport team building... and where the chassis of the Hypercar GMR-001 is currently being finalized under the roof of the neighboring Oreca Technocentre.

On the driver front, at 43, André Lotterer, recruited last winter, is the guiding force. Winner of the 24 Hours three-to-one in the Audi camp (2011, 2012, 2014), the German climbed to the top of the world last season at the wheel of a factory Porsche 963. A week ago, at Le Castellet, he was preparing for his 14th participation in the Le Mans double-circle race (June 14-15) with Jamie Chadwick and Mathys Jaubert, the two young talents from Genesis Magma Racing. Questions for a champion...

André, what's it like to see the WEC start without you when you're the defending champion?

Honestly, I didn't have a bad experience. After having completed all these intensive seasons, combining WEC and Formula E, it's a chance to breathe, to release the pressure. A welcome, appreciable break, like a breather. I know I'm starting again next year. So that suits me. And it allows me to focus on the start of the Genesis project, to put all my energy into it.

Why did you leave Porsche to try the Genesis adventure?

My contract was coming to an end. The option to extend existed. But the dynamic changed at Porsche with their decision to reduce the Hypercar crews from three to two drivers, to keep the younger ones. So, they offered me to race in GT and be an ambassador. It didn't stimulate me enough. Even though I've been driving for a long time, I remain very motivated. I have experience. A new challenge with a manufacturer like Hyundai, which has big ambitions, is a godsend for me. I like developing cars. Today, I'm no longer just another driver. I've been given an important role. We're starting from a blank sheet of paper, or almost. There's a lot to create. In short, it's a challenge I enjoy.

Exactly, what is this role?

It goes beyond driving. Beyond development in the near future and racing, from 2026, Pipo (Derani, the Brazilian double IMSA champion in the United States, also recruited last year to become a pillar of Genesis Magma Racing, editor's note) and I are actively participating in building the team. I have formed a very strong bond with Cyril (Abiteboul, the boss of the South Korean team) . We discuss all subjects together in an open manner. I can give him comments, recommendations on the team we are building. We share the same ambition: to move forward, to progress... To grow quickly, in other words!

You'll also be accelerating Jamie Chadwick and Mathys Jaubert's learning curve by supporting them during their upcoming baptism of fire at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Like a big brother, right?

Indeed! I like this role. Transmission is important. It's in the spirit of endurance. Everyone must put their ego aside. We must walk as a team of three. We must help each other.

Your number one piece of advice for them to best approach this oh-so-important shift?

Ah, it's a secret, I'm not going to tell you! (laughs) Well, seriously, at Le Mans, you have to try to develop a sixth sense. Have a clear vision of all the little traps that await you here and there. Because the slightest mistake can be very costly. For 24 hours, speed is not enough, you have to get through the pitfalls.

For you, this will also be a first... in the LMP2 category. Are you happy with your handling of the Oreca 07 at Le Castellet?

I find the car really cool to drive. Pleasant, fun, instinctive... It gives you confidence right from the start. Everything seemed natural to me, I felt at ease straight away, as if we'd known each other for ages. Probably because the IDEC Sport team nailed the right settings.

When the offer to compete in the 24 Hours in LMP2 came through, did you hesitate?

Yeah, I thought about it for two minutes, no more. At first glance, you think that arriving up there with only one day of testing under your belt isn't ideal, from a sporting perspective. But from the perspective of the Genesis program, it makes sense. It allows me to keep up the racing pace within a very professional structure. IDEC Sport is giving us a great welcome. I'm impressed by their building, their equipment, their way of working. I really want to win with them... but Le Mans is still Le Mans. We'll give it our all. Personally, in a way, I'm going to see this event in a different light. By looking much more in the rearview mirrors to keep an eye on the Hypercars that are going to overtake me... (he smiles) .

Speaking of Hypercar, the first photos of the Genesis GMR-001 have just appeared. Can't wait to get behind the wheel? Obviously! The design, which is very successful, makes you want to slip into the cockpit and get to work this summer even more (the first drive is planned for August) . Let's hope the car is well-born. Pipo comes from Cadillac, I come from Porsche, so we'll soon know which direction to go in. As for the chassis, we're counting on Oreca to offer a competitive product. As for the engine, it's derived from the block used by Hyundai in rallying. Nothing complicated. So it's up to us!