Connect with us

FIA WEC

Ickx Drives Genesis Hypercar at Paul Ricard

Le Mans legend and Genesis advisor experiences modern Hypercar machinery…

Photo: Genesis Magma Racing

Six-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner and Genesis Magma Racing advisor Jacky Ickx has recently sampled the team’s GMR-001 Hypercar for the first time.

The 81-year-old endurance racing legend completed laps of the Paul Ricard circuit in a specially liveried Genesis, giving him a first-hand insight into the world of modern prototypes.

Ickx first became an ambassador to Genesis back in February 2024, before its entry to the FIA World Endurance Championship was announced.

Fellow multiple Le Mans winner and Genesis racer Andre Lotterer adjusted the Belgian’s helmet straps before he was sent on his way at the French track.

Ickx said the test was “undescribable” and a “unique” opportunity for him to combine his knowledge of the past with the present.

“When I opened that door, I saw something I didn’t expect at all,” he added. “I share with people the passion I have for motor racing — it was incredibly emotional.”

However, at the end of a video produced to document the test, Ickx joked: “I promise you, I’m not going to race next year!”

Ickx’s last top-tier sports car outing came in the 1998 24 Hours of Spa, while he triumphed at Le Mans six times between 1969 and 1982 in Ford, Mirage and Porsche machinery.

Stephen Lickorish is Sportscar365's European editor, covering the FIA World Endurance Championship, GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS, European Le Mans Series, among other championships.

Click to comment
Advertisements
Advertisements
Advertisements

More in FIA WEC