KCMG had already dropped hints about the Hong Kong based squad’s 2015 programme and this morning has confirmed that they will return to the FIA WEC (subject to being granted an entry) with a brand new Oreca 05 coupe, expected to still feature a Nissan engine in LMP2 this year.
KCMG switched from a Morgan chassis to the Oreca 03 (later upgraded to 03R spec) for the 2014 season and used their new car to good effect taking three class wins, three second place finishes and one pole position.
KCMG will be racing in no fewer than seven series this season. In addition to its requested entries at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the FIA World Endurance Championship, the team will be present in Super Formula, Japan F3 and F4, Formula Masters China, Asian Formula Renault and Porsche Carrera Cup ! An ambitious team, KCMG took the Teams and Drivers championships in Formula Masters China Series last year.
KCMG Founder Paul Ip: “Our partnership with Oreca in the World Endurance Championship has brought outstanding results in 2014 and we are pleased to extend our collaboration with Mr. Hugues de Chaunac’s amazing team this year. Evidently, the Oreca 03R is a race-winning machine and has led our team to three laudable victories in our first full season competing in the World Championship. 2015 marks our third year in endurance racing and with our recent acquisition of the new ORECA 05, we are confident that our forthcoming LMP2 campaign will yield better results! We are looking forward to our first shakedown of the new LMP2 in March!”
KCMG’s WEC Team Manager Erich Kolb: “We’re very excited to unveil the new car! This will be a big step forward for KCMG after a successful 2014 season in the World Endurance Championship. Oreca has been a huge part of this success and we are looking forward to working with them soon.”
Hugues de Chaunac: “KCMG joined the ORECA stable during last year’s off-season and we quickly built an excellent working relationship. KCMG is a multi-faceted team as shown by its many racing programs, and this paid off in endurance racing. The team was one of the best performing in the FIA World Endurance Championship last year and had a legitimate chance at the title. 2015 will be different but the same : a change in that KCMG will be racing an all new ORECA 05, but the same because together we will be building on the bond we formed in 2014. This is the year to deliver! We are happy with the confidence that KCMG has shown and maintained in us. They are a high-quality outfit and very professional. KCMG’s choice confirms our international scale in our activities as a constructor.”
The ORECA 05 will be on track alongside the ORECA 03R, an open prototype which won 23 events between 2011 and 2014. The ORECA 05 will roll out at the end of February/beginning of March ahead of its competition debut scheduled for Silverstone, the first round of the FIA World Endurance Championship and European Le Mans Series.
The new car features the same basic tub as the (Oreca designed and built) Rebellion R-One with a blend of proven 03R underpinnings and new bespoke components designed specifically for the coupe
