KC Motorgroup Ltd’s (KCMG) new ORECA 05 coupe will sample its first taste of La Sarthe’s iconic 13.629km circuit when the Hong Kong-based team heads to France for the 24 Hours of Le Mans official Test Day, which will be held this Sunday (31 May). Returning for their third consecutive year in the world famous French endurance classic, KCMG will utilise the pre-event test to evaluate and further develop their new LMP2 machinery ahead of the gruelling twice-around-the-clock challenge.
Richard Bradley and Matt Howson will once again share driving duties with French LMP ace, Nicolas Lapierre, aboard the Dunlop-shod #47 ORECA 05-Nissan package. Bolstered by each driver’s innate skill behind the wheel and valuable Le Mans experience, the trio represents a formidable line-up for the Asian LMP2 team’s latest assault at La Sarthe.
The pre-event test, which is usually held two weeks prior to the race, sees the 56 entries taking part in the 83rd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans execute test programmes and simulations of actual race conditions on Circuit de la Sarthe’s unique configuration of permanent racing surface and closed public roads. This year, six reserve entries and two LMP3 cars will also participate in the event, making a total of 64 cars on track during the official Test Day on Sunday.
Richard Bradley: “After the promising performance that we displayed last year, I’m happy and very much looking forward to once again competing at Le Mans. I’m confident that the ORECA 05 will be competitive there once we’ve made the necessary improvements to the set-up and I look forward to a good result.”
Matt Howson: “The preparations for this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans have been more intense than ever. We are more experienced as a team and the ORECA 05 is evidently a fast machine. The test will allow us to fine-tune the LM-spec aero and get settled into the unique challenges of La Sarthe and the race. I can’t wait for the challenge of my career.”
Nicolas Lapierre: “I’m so happy to be back on one of my favourite tracks. This test session will be very important as it’s the first time the ORECA 05 takes to this superb circuit. We need to work on many areas to make sure we have a good basis with the new low-downforce kit.”
Erich Kolb, KCMG WEC Team Manager: “Test Day has always been considered the unofficial kick off to the 24 Hours of Le Mans and we’re looking forward to finally see the ORECA 05 in action on La Sarthe’s legendary track. The entire team has been working hard over the past months in preparation for the highlight of our motorsport division’s calendar. There’s still a lot of work to be done ahead of race week and we’re here to ultimately ensure that our third Le Mans assault will be a success.”
To find out more about the 24 Hours of Le Mans, visit www.24h-lemans.com.
For more information about KCMG please visit www.kcmg.com.hk. To keep track of all the latest updates ‘Like’ KCMG’s Facebook page or follow @KCMotorgroup on Twitter and Instagram.
Matthew Howson (GBR) / Richard Bradley (GBR) / Nicolas Lapierre (FRE) KCMG HKG D Oreca 05
– Nissan Photo by: Jakob Ebrey Photography
