Hong Kong – KC Motorgroup Ltd. have recently revealed their full driver line up in what will be the team’s fourth consecutive Le Mans 24 Hours start. The record-breaking LMP2 outfit will be back at La Sarthe to defend its LMP2 crown in June. Two-time Formula Nippon and Super GT champion, Tsugio Matsuda will join 2015 Le Mans winners Richard Bradley and Matt Howson in KCMG’s forthcoming campaign to seal another Le Mans victory in the ORECA 05 – Nissan LMP2.
The trio, who have worked together back in 2014, shared the team’s first FIA WEC success after winning in the world championship’s Lone Star Le Mans round at Circuit of the Americas. Prior to KCMG’s WEC programme, the three drivers have individually raced for the Hong Kong-based team’s various motorsport campaigns in Asia.
Both Matsuda and Bradley did a one-off race in the 2013 season of Asian Le Mans Series under the KCMG banner, while the latter represented the team in the full season of Super Formula. Howson has been part of the team’s stable of drivers since 2008 and competed in Japanese Formula 3 before joining KCMG’s WEC debut at Silverstone and first Le Mans start in 2013.
Here’s what the drivers have to say about the team’s forthcoming comeback at Le Mans:
Richard Bradley: “I’m delighted to be back with KCMG to defend our LMP2 title in this years Le Mans 24 Hours. Having taken mine and KCMG’s first WEC win with Tsugio and Matt in the last race we did together back in 2014, I know that we can gel well immediately and with this strong team we can aim for a top result.”
Matt Howson: “I’m delighted to be returning to the Le Mans 24 Hour with KCMG, as reigning champions and with the potential to win again. Dominating last year doesn’t make repeating any easier but we know we can absorb the pressure at the front so that experience will be vital. LMP2 has greater depth this year so we’ll need to draw on that experience, and we’ll be giving it everything we’ve got, I’m looking forward to the greatest challenge in Motorsport once again!”
Tsugio Matsuda: “I’m really happy to be back at Le Mans in 2016 with KCMG, it’s always a pleasure to be part of the team and I’m looking forward to be working with Richard and Matt again. We’ve proven that we’re a formidable line up after our Austin win two years ago, but we’re facing a greater challenge this year. This upcoming Le Mans campaign is very important to the team, especially when the aim is to defend the LMP2 title. I’ll do my best effort to achieve this goal and of course, I’d like to thank KCMG Founder Paul Ip and Head of Motorsport Ryuji Doi for giving me this opportunity. Looking forward to seeing you all at Le Mans!”
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
