Juncadella: Hypercar Aim “No Secret” Amid Strong LMP2 Start

Photo: MPS Agency

Daniel Juncadella says it is “no secret” that he seeks a path to top-flight prototype racing as he is increasingly linked to the Genesis Magma Racing effort that debuts in the FIA World Endurance Championship next year, having enjoyed a strong start to life in LMP2.

The Spaniard, who is currently contracted as a factory driver with Corvette, signed up with IDEC Sport to drive the Genesis-backed No. 18 Oreca 07 Gibson in the European Le Mans Series.

After two races, Juncadella, Jamie Chadwick and Mathys Jaubert lead the LMP2 standings, taking the class victory behind Pro-Am victors AF Corse in Barcelona and then winning outright at Paul Ricard.

Juncadella was inserted into the lineup alongside Chadwick and Jaubert at late notice, coming in to replace Logan Sargeant after the American stepped down from the program in February.

Amidst a successful start to life in ELMS and increasing speculation that he could be in line for a race seat with the Genesis LMDh program, Juncadella noted that the LMP2 drive has provided him with an opportunity to prove himself in prototype competition.

“It’s no secret that my goal is to be in the top class of endurance racing next year and that’s pretty much all I can say,” Juncadella told Sportscar365.

“Of course Genesis has shown interest in me, giving me an opportunity in LMP2.

“I think driving in LMP2 for me was important because I sometimes got the feeling that I was not really rejected by other brands in Hypercar, but just not given the chance because I didn’t have prototype experience, which blows my mind because I’m coming from a single-seater background.

“But anyway, having an LMP2 chance and with a team that is so strongly linked to Genesis obviously opens up my possibilities for next year.”

While Juncadella’s GM racing commitments have to date been limited to competing with the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R in WEC and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, he has previously sampled the Cadillac V-Series.R during last year’s Bahrain rookie test.

Amidst the Genesis interest, the 34-year-old noted that he was keen to keep his options open in case an opportunity to race as part of the Cadillac LMDh program were to emerge, also pointing out the significance of his role within Corvette’s GT3 ranks.

Juncadella has combined programs with multiple brands previously. He raced for both Corvette and Mercedes-AMG last year before fully leaving the Stuttgart manufacturer.

Later this year, he is set to combine his Corvette duties with a Nürburgring 24 program with Lamborghini and ABT.

“It’s still early in the year,” he said.

“I don’t want to lock myself into something yet. And I also want to give GM the opportunity to give me a chance as well there because right now my home is GM.

“I’m very happy where I am and I’m also very happy with Corvette.

“Even if I get the chance, either Genesis, GM, anywhere, I will still consider my future within Corvette because I don’t see myself anywhere else in a GT environment.

“But what is clear is I want to be in a Hypercar next year.”