Samwise Sportscar & Endurance Newsletter
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Bosch and Maserati to Demo Hydrogen-Powered Ligier at Le Mans
Bosch Engineering and Maserati will demonstrate a hydrogen-powered racing prototype at the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans, marking a significant step in motorsport's alternative fuel exploration. The Ligier JS2 RH2 development car is powered by a 3.0-litre Maserati Nettuno V6 engine converted to run on hydrogen via Bosch's direct injection system, producing approximately 480 kilowatts and 880 Newton-metres of torque. The car has completed nearly 8,000 test kilometres without technical issues and will perform a demonstration lap around the Circuit de la Sarthe on race morning, June 13. The prototype will be displayed throughout Le Mans week in the circuit's dedicated H2 Village.
Sources: Daily Sportscar
Genesis Magma Racing Unveils Striking Orange Livery for Le Mans Debut
Genesis Magma Racing has unveiled a Magma orange livery for both of its GMR-001 LMDh hypercars ahead of the team's debut at the 94th 24 Hours of Le Mans. The design transitions from vivid Magma orange at the front to deep red at the rear, inspired by the volcanic origins of the Korean peninsula. The No. 17 car of André Lotterer, Luis Felipe Derani, and Mathys Jaubert runs orange and black accents, while the No. 19 entry features white logos and highlights. Genesis becomes the first Korean manufacturer to compete in the Hypercar class at Le Mans, the team carrying Hangeul lettering along the bodywork.
Sources: Auto Action
WRT to Run Gulf-Inspired McLaren F1 GTR Tribute Livery at Le Mans
Team WRT will run a special Gulf-inspired livery on its BMW M4 GT3 EVO at the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans, paying tribute to the McLaren F1 GTR that won the race in 1995. The blue and orange colour scheme, worn by the WRT LMGT3 entry of Anthony McIntosh, Parker Thompson, and Dan Harper, recreates the Gulf Oil palette that adorned the BMW-powered McLaren F1 GTR during its Le Mans campaigns from 1995 to 1998. The livery is part of McIntosh's initiative to run a different historically inspired design at each WEC round, celebrating the connection between McLaren's Le Mans triumph and BMW's subsequent endurance racing heritage.
Sources: Daily Sportscar
32-Car Field Set for 12 Hours of Paul Ricard as Championship Battle Heats Up
A 32-car field will compete in the 12 Hours of Paul Ricard on June 5–7, the third round of the 2026 Michelin 24H Series European Series. The field at Circuit Paul Ricard includes 15 GT3 entries representing nearly half the grid, competing alongside LMP2, LMP3, and GT4 cars across two six-hour segments. The championship battle heading into the French round is tight, with three teams tied for the series lead after no single outfit strung together back-to-back top finishes at Mugello and Spa-Francorchamps. The opening six-hour segment is scheduled to start at 11:45 CEST on Saturday, June 6.
Sources: Daily Sportscar
WEC Hypercar — Drivers
1. R. Rast / R. Frijns — 35 pts
2. B. Hartley / R. Hirakawa / S. Buemi — 26 pts
3. K. Kobayashi / M. Conway / N. de Vries — 25 pts
3. S. van der Linde — 25 pts
5. K. Magnussen / R. Marciello / D. Vanthoor — (5th)
WEC Hypercar — Manufacturers
1. BMW — 59 pts
2. Toyota — 52 pts
3. Ferrari — 42 pts
4. Aston Martin
5. Alpine
IMSA GTP — Drivers
1. J. Aitken / E. Bamber — 1,760 pts
2. L. Heinrich — 1,616 pts
3. J. Andlauer / F. Nasr — 1,606 pts
IMSA GTP — Manufacturers
1. Cadillac — 1,797 pts
2. Porsche — 1,772 pts
3. Acura — 1,676 pts
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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