fter achieving a significant milestone by becoming the first Chinese outfit granted entry to the Le Mans 24 Hours, KC Motorgroup Ltd. (KCMG) took a further step towards the celebrated race by successfully completing administrative checks and scrutineering (June 16). The two-day event signals the start of the Le Mans 24 Hours week, which attracts over 300,000 spectators from across the world.
A mandatory procedure for all teams, scrutineering is held at Place de la Rpublique in Le Mans city centre and represents a traditional pre-event custom. Cars are subject to extensive technical inspection, while drivers are required to take part in administrative checks in order to officially enter the 24 Hours.
KCMGs blue and white #47 Morgan-Nissan LMP2 passed the comprehensive procedure and, after successful administrative checks, their diverse driver line-up of Alexandre Imperatori, Ho-Pin Tung and Matt Howson were all approved by the Automobile Club de lOuest to compete this weekend.
Considered the worlds greatest endurance race, the Le Mans 24 Hours celebrates its 90th anniversary and 81st running at the historic Circuit de la Sarthe this year. The week-long schedule includes free practice followed by three qualifying sessions, the first of which gets underway on Wednesday evening (June 19) before the second and third sessions take place on Thursday afternoon and evening. A parade through downtown Le Mans on Friday will officially kick off the weekend, with the race beginning at 15h00 on Saturday and the checkered flag dropping at the same time the following day.
Alexandre Imperatori, KCMG Driver: Weve been in Le Mans since early this month and everythings really coming together. We cant wait to get back on track to put what we learned about the car during the test day into action. Scrutineering was a pretty impressive experience. We had to move the cars to the city centre and the atmosphere was just fantastic with a huge crowd gathered at Place de la Rpublique. You really feel that youre part of something very special here and we hope that well be able to represent China in the best possible manner. Now were looking forward to qualifying on Wednesday and of course the race this weekend.
Ho-Pin Tung, KCMG Driver: Its been an amazing experience so far. We had the technical checks at Place de la Rpublique and I finally understood what everyone has said about the energy and special atmosphere around Le Mans. Its astounding, with so many people out on an ordinary Monday morning to see us take part in scrutineering. The gap before our first session on Wednesday is a new experience for us: usually when were at the race track we do a lot of running, whereas here theres a long build-up. However this is important as Le Mans is all about fine details and making sure that the car is reliable.
Matt Howson, KCMG Driver: Were about to begin the first day of on-track action with practice and qualifying, so it finally feels like a race meeting! Scrutineering was a special experiencethe usual routine but in an unusual settingand it was great to be introduced on stage with my team-mates to talk about our chances for the race. The attending public was very enthusiastic, so the whole process had a great atmosphere and I'm looking forward to going back for the Drivers Parade on Friday. Well go into practice with a plan involving aero and mechanical setup testing followed by our first night running around the circuit, which is a very exciting prospect. We don't have a huge amount of time in the car but together we must improve our setup ahead of the most challenging race in motorsport.
Paul Ip, KCMG Team Owner:Scrutineering was a success and the team is looking forward to the free practice and qualifying sessions on Wednesday and Thursday. Its going to be a very busy week but we are looking forward to all the events leading up to the 24 Hours. We were happy to complete all mandatory technical procedures, which allows us to officially participate in the race. The entire team is proud to represent China and we are gearing up to make sure that our Le Mans 24 Hours debut will be an unforgettable and successful one.
