KC Motorgroup Ltd. (KCMG) has confirmed that Super Formula and Super GT ace Tsugio Matsuda will represent the team alongside Richard Bradley and Matt Howson in the Silverstone and Austin events of the FIA World Endurance Championship this season.
The Japanese driver, who clinched the Formula Nippon crown in 2007 and 2008, will also join Bradley and Howson at Circuit Paul Ricard for The Prologue on March 28-29. The team will field its new Oreca – Nissan LMP2 in the two-day official WEC test.
Last year, Matsuda teamed up with Bradley and compatriot Hiroshi Koizumi to compete in the rain-soaked 6 Hours of Fuji for KCMG. The Japanese champion also drove for the LMP2 squad in the title-deciding finale of the Asian Le Mans Series at Sepang International Circuit last December. He secured pole position after a thrilling qualifying session and ultimately helped the team conclude the 3 Hours of Sepang in second place with James Winslow.
Tsugio Matsuda, KCMG WEC Driver: “It is an honour to represent KCMG in the 2014 World Endurance Championship. WEC is a very competitive motorsport platform and to be part of this championship presents great opportunities for my career. I would like to thank Paul Ip, Ryuji Doi and all of my sponsors for giving me the chance to participate in the World Championship this season. It is my objective to give back to the team and my supporters by delivering positive results in the upcoming events. I am looking forward to this challenge and can’t wait to test the Oreca – Nissan LMP2 at Paul Ricard next week and to compete alongside Richard and Matt in April.”
Paul Ip, KCMG Managing Director: “This latest addition to our driver line up strengthens our aim to be one of the LMP2 frontrunners on the WEC grid this season. Tsugio has raced and won titles in top level Formula and GT championships in Japan. His skill and competitiveness translates to wins and we saw how he delivered strong results in our LMP2 in the 6 Hours of Fuji and 3 Hours of Sepang last year. KCMG has established a formidable relationship with Tsugio, and the team is looking forward to working with him in the World Championship this season.”
For more information about KCMG, visit www.kcmg.com.hk. To keep track of latest updates, please like KCMG’s Facebook page or follow @KCMotorgroup on Twitter and Instagram.
