Team KCMG continued its impressive start to the 2026 Nürburgring Langstrecken Serie season, as the squad managed to record an incredible first pole position around the Nordschleife and fourth overall during Saturday’s four-hour enduro.
The event got underway with qualifying as 2023 Nürburgring 24 Hours champion David Pittard delivered an excellent lap time of a 7:52.393 to clinch the Hong Kong-based outfit’s maiden pole position at the Nürburgring.
Pittard took the wheel of the #47 Mercedes-AMG for the start and held his position off the line, then showing strong pace to extend the team’s advantage to 16 seconds before the first round of pit-stops.
He handed over to 2025 Nürburgring 24 Hours winner Jesse Krohn who emerged second but managed to put the leader under constant pressure, as did Edoardo Liberati when he jumped into the car.
However, the squad was given a stop-and-hold plus 85-second penalty due to a Code 60 violation, dropping the team down to fifth.
Ex-Formula 1 driver Kamui Kobayashi then stepped in for his first experience in GT3 machinery at the Nordschleife and showed impressive speed throughout his stint, ensuring that Team KCMG would finish the enduro fourth overall.
Team KCMG will be back at the Green Hell this weekend (18-19 April), taking on the N24 Qualifiers.
DAVID PITTARD
“This weekend was another significant step forward in our Nürburgring 24 Hours preparation and I’m proud of the whole KCMG team for what they’ve given us in just two races. The exciting thing is that there is still so much more potential to unlock, and I really enjoyed being back on pole position as well as handing the car over to my teammates from the race lead. Kamui also delivered a great race stint considering that was his first GT3 running on the Nordschleife. I’m hopeful that we can show the same strong performance again next week in the N24 Qualifiers.”
JESSE KROHN
“Overall, I’m so proud of the team to have managed to get this level of performance out of the car and improved in all areas since NLS2, it really is an incredible job. A huge thanks to my teammates and Kamui in particular, who delivered such a strong pace considering it was his first time at the track in GT3 machinery. There are a lot of positives to take from this weekend heading into the N24 Qualifiers, which is such an important event as it’s our final opportunity to fine tune the car before the 24-hour enduro next month.”
EDOARDO LIBERATI
“I’m incredibly proud of what KCMG has been able to achieve in only two races with a new car and back in the SP9 category. I enjoyed fighting for the lead with a package that gave me a lot of confidence through traffic and in any conditions. The penalty took away a potential victory, but the performance of every single KCMG team member was exceptional. I can’t wait to be back competing with this crew again.”
KAMUI KOBAYASHI
“A huge thanks to Paul and KCMG for this opportunity to bring me back into the KCMG family and to be able to make my GT3 Nordschleife debut. This historic track is so unique and unlike any other circuit in the world, but the lap-by-lap learning process was extremely enjoyable and highly supported from KCMG, it was a privilege to work with them. Thanks again for this opportunity and hopefully we can have another shot to fight for the win!”
MATT HOWSON TEAM MANAGER
“NLS3 was a strong event for KCMG, the first GT3 and Nürburgring pole for the team was a moment we'll all remember forever! There was a significant improvement in all areas from NLS2, which reflects the hard work from the team and drivers in a very short time, and we've demonstrated we have a package to challenge for victory. It was also special to support Kamui in his first GT3 race at the Nürburgring, and he did a phenomenal stint, and learned a huge amount in just one event. David, Jesse and Edo continue to contribute on and off track, and they are a huge factor in our global performance. The focus is now on the N24 Qualifiers in just a few days, well done to everyone at Team KCMG!”
PAUL IP KCMG FOUNDER
“Securing our first GT3 pole position at the Nürburgring during NLS3 is incredible and a proud moment for KCMG, in only our second race back in the SP9 category, showing the strength and commitment of the entire team. The progress since NLS2 has been impressive, and I’m especially pleased with how quickly everything has come together. It was also great to welcome Kamui back to KCMG and support him in his first GT3 race at the track. We know there is more to come and focus is now on the N24 Qualifiers."
