Now, this is how you make an absolute statement in a brand-new campaign. Genesis Magma Racing took pole position for the 6 Hours of Barcelona presented by Visit Qatar (18 October) in Spain, with young charger Mathys Jaubert setting the racing world alight. The Korean manufacturer has shown serious pace from the very beginning of the weekend, but what happened in qualifying was simply wild. Both GMR-001 Hypercars sailed comfortably through the first part of the session in first and third places before repeating the exact same result in Hyperpole.
It was Jaubert who claimed the ultimate prize by topping the times in the top ten shootout. In doing so, the Provence native became the youngest driver ever to secure outright pole position for an FIA WEC race at the age of just 21, standing out brilliantly as the only Silver-graded driver in the top-tier series. His team-mate André Lotterer was left practically speechless by the performance of the young gun, sharing the #17 entry alongside two-time IMSA title-winner 'Pipo' Derani.
"It was a mega job by Mathys," enthused the two-time world champion. "We knew from the beginning he was quick – that’s why we put him in the car for qualifying – and I think a little star has been born here." Lotterer pointed out that while the team has hit a few milestones like finishing their first race and scoring their first points, this pole represents their first real impact and proves they mean serious business.
Behind this success is Genesis' Trajectory Programme, a talent-spotting initiative championed by Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul to give opportunities to drivers coming out of GT racing rather than traditional single-seaters. Abiteboul noted that Barcelona is a demanding benchmark track, making a pole position here an incredible validation of their hard work. Yet, the team is keeping its feet on the ground, with the Sporting Director Gabriele Tarquini also looking ahead after a major announcement over the weekend.
Alongside the on-track fireworks, Genesis locked in Daniel Juncadella as their first confirmed driver for 2027. The Spaniard has been instrumental in developing the Korean prototype alongside Paul-Loup Chatin and Mathieu Jaminet in the #19 GMR-001, taking their best result to-date with 11th place last time out at Fuji. At 35 years old, Juncadella admitted there was plenty to learn as a rookie in Hypercar, but he is massively motivated and thrilled to secure his future at his home race with family and friends watching on.
