KC Motorgroup Ltd. (KCMG) has announced that Kamui Kobayashi will represent the Hong Kong-based squad in their 2017 Super Formula campaign, following the official announcement made during Toyota Gazoo Racing’s highly anticipated motorsport pre-season event held in Mega Web, Tokyo this morning. The Japanese ace, who has raced in the premier single-seater series for two seasons with Team LeMans, will now pilot the #18 KCMG Elyse SF14 in Super Formula’s seven-event calendar throughout Japan.

Kobayashi’s Super Formula post-season test with KCMG in November at Suzuka Circuit has produced strong results. Garnering the seventh fastest time overall after the test sessions in the blue and white Toyota-powered SF14 signals a promising year ahead for the team.

His impressive career began with single seaters, racing in Formula Toyota and Formula Renault. Kobayashi’s laudable feats in various motorsport disciplines highlight his victories in GP2 and stepping up to Formula One as a driver from 2010 to 2014 with Panasonic Toyota, Sauber and Caterham. Last year, the Japanese driver joined Toyota Gazoo Racing’s LMP1 programme in FIA World Endurance Championship and notably won a dramatic home race - the 6 Hours of Fuji.

This season, Kobayashi will divide his time between FIA WEC’s LMP1 grid with Toyota and Super Formula with KCMG.

Kamui Kobayashi: “I’m very proud to be part of KCMG and to represent them in Super Formula this 2017 season. We only have one car, but I think we have a good opportunity because of my experience. Our target is to win races and concentrate on developing a very competitive package – formidable engine-wise and have a strong team of mechanics as well. We are confident for this new season and I’m definitely hoping and looking forward to achieve positive results.”

Ryuji Doi, KCMG Head of Motorsport: “We are delighted that Kamui will join us in our Super Formula campaign and we’d like to thank Toyota for allowing this to happen. Kamui is one of best Japanese drivers around and we are thrilled to have him represent KCMG. I would also like to have this opportunity to thank Yuichi Nakayama for the hard work he’s put in the past three seasons with us and I wish him good luck in his new endeavors this season. We’re confident of a strong year ahead, with the team already preparing and working very hard to provide Kamui with the best car possible. It will be an exciting season for sure and we’re looking forward to it!”