As reported by Sportscar365, KCMG has confirmed its return to the Nürburgring 24 Hours with a Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo in 2026, marking the team’s first appearance in the race in three years.
The Hong Kong-flagged squad will enter the No. 47 car in the top SP9 class while also undertaking an extensive campaign in the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS). The programme represents a significant step for the team as it prepares to challenge one of endurance racing’s toughest events.
To strengthen its effort, KCMG has recruited Nürburgring 24 winners Jesse Krohn and David Pittard to spearhead the driver line-up alongside long-time team driver Edoardo Liberati.
Strong driver line-up for Nordschleife campaign
The addition of Krohn and Pittard provides KCMG with two drivers who already know what it takes to win the Nürburgring 24.
Krohn arrives fresh from last year’s overall victory with ROWE Racing, where he drove a BMW M4 GT3. Meanwhile, Pittard secured victory in the 2023 edition while competing with Frikadelli Racing in a Ferrari 296 GT3.
Together with Liberati, the trio forms the core of KCMG’s Nürburgring programme, although the team has confirmed that further driver announcements will follow ahead of the upcoming Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie round.
KCMG plans to begin its campaign in the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie’s second round (NLS2), scheduled for next week.
The team will also compete in the Nürburgring 24 Qualifiers event next month as it prepares for the main endurance race. However, KCMG has not yet finalised its exact driver combinations for those preparatory races. Through these events, the team aims to build familiarity with the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo and refine its performance before the 24-hour contest.
Team confident ahead of season
Team manager Matt Howson expressed enthusiasm about the programme and the opportunity to compete in the Nürburgring’s top class once again.
“KCMG is thrilled to be returning to the top class at the Nürburgring and racing for the first time with the proven Mercedes-AMG GT3,” said team manager Matt Howson. “The NLS and Nürburgring 24 will be as competitive as ever in 2026, so the early NLS rounds and ADAC 24H Qualifiers will be an opportunity for KCMG to learn the car and build our strength in the run up to the main event.
“KCMG is also delighted to welcome former Nürburgring 24 winners Jesse Krohn and David Pittard alongside Edo Liberati as part of the programme, so we certainly have enormous potential to challenge at the front throughout the season.”
Krohn targets back-to-back Nürburgring 24 victories as Pittard begins new chapter with KCMG in 2026
For Krohn, the programme represents a new chapter after ending a long association with BMW at the end of last season. The Finnish driver spent 12 years with the Bavarian manufacturer before moving on to new opportunities in 2026. Now he aims to defend his Nürburgring 24 title with a different team and manufacturer.
“It’s great to announce that I’ll be teaming up with KCMG for the NLS season,” said the Finnish driver, who was part of last year’s winning ROWE BMW lineup. “Coming off a win at the Nürburgring 24h last year, I’m highly motivated to defend that title, this time behind the wheel of the Mercedes-AMG GT3. KCMG has a proven track record at the ‘Ring, and combining their experience with David and Edoardo as my teammates gives us an incredibly strong team. I’m ready to push for top results from the off.”
Meanwhile, Pittard enters the programme after recently confirming that his time as an Aston Martin factory driver had come to an end. The British racer announced the news earlier this week on social media before revealing his new partnership with KCMG.
“I’m excited to join KCMG and my teammates as part of this new Nürburgring 24 Hours project,” said the Briton. “I have always admired KCMG’s commitment and attention to detail which makes them one of the top private teams in the world! I’m greatly looking forward to driving the legendary Nordschleife again this season in the Mercedes-AMG GT3.”
More announcements to come
KCMG has indicated that further driver announcements will follow as the team finalises its line-up for the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie season.
With a proven GT3 machine, experienced drivers and a comprehensive preparation programme, the team now aims to re-establish itself as a contender in the Nürburgring 24’s fiercely competitive top class.
