Former Toyota LMP1 racer Nicolas Lapierre will join KCMG for two rounds of the FIA World Endurance Championship, driving the team’s ORECA 05 LMP2 coupe.
Lapierre, who competed in the first four rounds of last year’s championship, will not race for Toyota this season but will continue to assist the team in a testing and development role. He will then join regular KCMG drivers Matthew Howson and Richard Bradley for the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The Frenchman will effectively replace Nick Tandy for the two races, as Tandy will be making his LMP1 debut with the Porsche factory squad.
Lapierre will also take part in the season-opening Prologue test at Paul Ricard later this week (March 27-28).
“I’m excited to be competing for KCMG at Spa and Le Mans,” said Lapierre. “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.”
KCMG team manager Erich Kolb added, “Without a doubt, Nicolas is one of the most talented drivers in the FIAWEC, 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.”
