KCMG confirms Nicolas Lapierre for 6 Hours of Spa and Le Mans

KC Motorgroup Ltd (KCMG) has reached an agreement with Nicolas Lapierre to drive its ORECA 05 LMP2 in three of FIA World Endurance Championship’s (WEC) events this season. The French driver will join KCMG at The Prologue in Le Castellet and will be back with the team for the 6 Hours of Spa Francorchamps and 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The 30-year-old ace is contracted as a test and reserve driver for TOYOTA Racing in WEC and contributed to the Japanese company’s manufacturers World Championship win in 2014. With TOYOTA Racing’s consent, Lapierre’s comeback in the world championship this season will witness the French driver represent KCMG alongside Richard Bradley and Matt Howson at Paul Ricard, Spa Francorchamps and La Sarthe.

TOYOTA Racing has enjoyed a strong partnership with KCMG’s technical partner, ORECA since the beginning of its WEC project in late 2011 and today’s announcement delivers mutual benefit for all parties. Nicolas has won six WEC races for TOYOTA Racing since joining the team in the 2012 season, contributing to 10 podium finishes and a best result of third in the drivers’ World Championship in 2012.

Recognised for his skill and tenacity as a driver, the addition of Lapierre to the Hong Kong-based squad’s line up has further reinforced the team’s campaign to challenge for WEC’s LMP2 title this season.

Nicolas Lapierre: “I’m excited to be competing for KCMG in Spa and Le Mans. Thanks to KCMG, TOYOTA and ORECA of course. I am really keen to get back to racing again and the Prologue will be a good opportunity to become familiar with ORECA 05, which is a very promising car. I’m motivated and ready to contribute to KCMG’s Le Mans challenge this year.”

Erich Kolb, KCMG WEC Team Manager: “After weeks of talks, we are happy to confirm that Nicolas will join us at Spa and Le Mans. Without a doubt, Nicolas is one of the most talented drivers in WEC, and KCMG would like to extend its gratitude to TOYOTA Racing for allowing him to represent us in three of WEC’s events this season. The team is looking forward to the official pre-season test at Paul Ricard next week, where Nicolas will get his first impression of the ORECA 05.”

Paul Ip, KCMG Founder: “We are happy to finalize our line up with the announcement of Nicolas as our fourth driver. The team is pleased to have him on board this season and I’m confident that he is a great addition to the team’s assault at Spa and Le Mans. Many thanks to TOYOTA Racing for permitting Nicolas to take part in our LMP2 program this year, and to Oreca for helping facilitate this agreement.”