For the past decade, Hyundai has been heavily invested in the World Rally Championship (WRC). Recently, rumours have circulated that the Korean manufacturer was eyeing an entry into endurance racing, particularly the WEC series.
Hyundai Motorsport confirmed these rumours on Thursday morning. The team announced it will launch a circuit racing programme under its Genesis brand, Hyundai’s luxury car division.
In a brief statement, the Genesis brand’s LMDh programme (Le Mans Daytona h) was unveiled, referring to a prototype racing car. These cars are eligible to compete in the FIA’s WEC series, which includes the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, as well as the North American IMSA SportsCar Championship.
Hyundai did not disclose further details of the programme nor when they plan to make their debut in endurance racing.
Hyundai Motorsport’s WEC plans have raised questions about the future of its WRC programme. The worst-case scenario speculated is that the team may leave the WRC entirely after the 2026 season.
What is certain is that Hyundai will compete in the WRC through the 2025 season, having recently announced a contract extension for Thierry Neuville. The team also has a contract with Ott Tänak for next year. Rumours suggest that Hyundai could outsource its WRC operations to an external team in 2026, but the team has yet to confirm this.
Hyundai launched its current WRC programme in 2014, winning the manufacturers’ championship twice, in 2019 and 2020. The team is now on the verge of its first drivers’ championship, with Neuville holding a clear lead over his teammate Tänak with just three rounds remaining.
Hyundai commented briefly on Thursday’s WEC announcement on Instagram.
“The LMDh programme adds a new pillar to Hyundai Motorsport’s portfolio. Since its establishment in 2012, Hyundai Motorsport has been competing in WRC and TCR with Hyundai N brand. Genesis, the premium brand of the Hyundai Motor Group will add endurance racing to disciplines of its motorsport activities.”
“The dawn of a new era,” the post caption read, listing LMDh (Le Mans Daytona h), WRC (World Rally Championship), and TCR (Touring Car Racing).
Hyundai has also competed under its own brand in various TCR touring car series.
