KC Motorgroup Ltd. (KCMG) is pleased to announce its latest collaboration with Japan-based motorsport outfit D’station Racing, as the two Asian teams embark on a new project highlighting a second LMP2 listed as first reserve in the 83rd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The driver line up will comprise of two professional drivers, namely former Formula 1 and Le Mans returnee Christian Klien and Super GT top driver Tomonobu Fujii. D’station-owner and Porsche Carrera Cup Japan class champion Satoshi Hoshino, will also share driving duties with Klien and Fujii.
As the team prepares for the forthcoming pre-event test on May 31, the #49 ORECA 03 – Judd package will brandish D’station’s striking matte black, red and green livery in its Le Mans Test Day outing under KCMG by D’station Racing. The team and drivers have been working round the clock to ensure that positive results will be delivered over the weekend.
While KCMG x D’station Racing’s #49 LMP2 currently sits as first reserve and awaits to be called up to replace one of the 56 confirmed entries, the team will not fall short in making stringent preparations to ensure that car’s reliability and competitive pace will impress during this weekend’s pre-event test.
Tomonobu Fujii: “I am thrilled that there is a possibility to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans together with KCMG × D’station Racing. Although we are still on the reserve list, we would like to log the maximum number of miles possible on Test day in preparation in case we land a spot at La Sarthe during race week. I have been competing in Japanese Super GT for 10 years and have participated in a number of endurance races around the world, but the 24 Hours of Le Mans will be the greatest challenge in my career
and I want to make sure that I am well prepared for it. We would like to focus on gearing up for the event, with hopes that we can ultimately participate. I’d like to thank KCMG and D’station Racing for giving me this chance to take part in this legendary event.”
Satoshi Hoshino: “I am really excited to have this chance to fulfill my dream of participating in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Although, we are still waiting to secure a spot for the race, I believe that our team can be competitive if given the opportunity to race at La Sarthe. We will sample the circuit and machine on Test day to acquaint ourselves with this great new challenge. I am also thrilled to make my debut LMP2 outing in such a prestigious event. Together with Christian Klien and Tomonobu Fujii, I feel confident to race at Le Mans and share a competitive car with two talented drivers.”
Christian Klien: “I’m very happy to be part of KCMG for the Le Mans 24 Hours this year. It’s going to be my fifth time to compete in this prestigious race. Obviously, we are the first team on the reserve list, which still means we have to wait and see if we get the starting slot for the race. Nevertheless, we will prepare as best as possible and will also take part of the official test. My teammates Fujii and Hoshino will compete for the first time in Le Mans, I will try to support and help them as much as possible with my experience on the test day to be ready for the big race. I think we will have a competitive car with the ORECA 03 – JUDD as it has shown that its fast and more importantly reliable for such a long race.”
Michel Frey, KCMG x D’station Racing Team Manager: “We are very happy to see the Oreca 03R – Judd running again on this amazing circuit. Last year, we’ve shown that we are competitive and we are confident that it will be on pace for this year as well. We have an experienced and quick driver on board in Christian and we’ll optimize the set up and installation so it also suits Satoshi Hoshino and Tomonobu Fujii, who will sample the LMP2 for the first time at La Sarthe. There were massive efforts involved to bring the #49 LMP2 to the Test Day, as it was a decision made on quite a short notice. It would be a great acknowledgment of this hard work if we could step up from the reserve list into the starting grid in two weeks’ time.”
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.
