KC Motorgroup Ltd. (KCMG) is set for its third assault on the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and first with the new ORECA 05 coupe, following successful administrative checks and scrutineering at Place de la Republique yesterday (June 7). Represented by drivers Richard Bradley, Matt Howson and Nicolas Lapierre, the Hong Kong-based squad is looking ahead to the French endurance classic after being validated by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest to race in the twice-around-the-clock challenge this weekend.
The highly celebrated motorsport event’s week-long programme kicked off with Le Pesage in Le Mans city centre on Sunday. The two-day pre-event tradition witnessed cars undergo comprehensive technical inspection while drivers took part in mandatory administrative checks to officially join the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
KCMG’s Dunlop-shod #47 ORECA 05-Nissan is set for an action packed week as free practice and first qualifying takes place on Wednesday (June 10), before the second and third qualifying sessions get underway on Thursday evening (June 11). Festivities through downtown Le Mans, which highlights the traditional Drivers’ Parade, will be held on Friday (June 12) followed by the 83rd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans on Saturday (June 13). The start of the gruelling 24-hour challenge at Circuit de la Sarthe beings at 15:00 local time and will run until the chequered flag drops at the same time on Sunday.
Richard Bradley: “I feel confident going to Le Mans this week. We have proven that the ORECA 05 is competitive and, personally, the experience of racing at La Sarthe last year helps. The car performed very well during Test Day and, with all the improvements made to our LMP2’s set-up last week, we’re looking good for the 24-hour race this weekend.”
Matt Howson: “We delivered encouraging results during Test Day and the team has done an outstanding job to guarantee that the ORECA 05 will be ready for its first Le Mans outing this weekend. The challenge at La Sarthe can never be underestimated, and nor can our desire to win it, so we will be working hard in the run up to the race to ensure we are well prepared. It’s my third time racing at Le Mans and I’m confident we can deliver!”
Nicolas Lapierre: “I’m very eager to return to Le Mans for the most important week of the year. Everything makes Le Mans so special, from Le Pesage at Place de la Republique, the circuit and parade around the town to the fans who gather at La Sarthe to witness the race. We have a package and a team capable of winning this event and, though it will not be easy to finish and get on the top of the podium, we are up for the challenge!”
Erich Kolb, KCMG WEC Team Manager: “We were happy to pass the technical and administrative checks for the 24 Hours of Le Mans at Le Pesage yesterday. The team has worked hard to prepare for this great challenge and it’s wonderful to finally see things come to fruition. The data gathered at last week’s Test Day has been most helpful as we fine-tuned the ORECA 05’s set-up. After today’s pre-event checks we now head to race week with confidence.”
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.
