Kamui Kobayashi will take on a fresh challenge this weekend as he makes his top-class debut at the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife. Kobayashi joins the KCMG Mercedes-AMG squad for the third round of the 2026 Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS3), stepping into a highly competitive GT3 environment.
Moreover, Kobayashi will share the No. 47 Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo with an experienced line-up consisting of David Pittard, Jesse Krohn and Edoardo Liberati. Together, they will tackle Saturday’s demanding four-hour endurance race.
Kobayashi embraces new opportunity while building on past experience
Although Kobayashi has previously driven on the Nordschleife, this event marks a significant step forward. Two years ago, he piloted a Toyota GR Supra GT4 Evo with KCMG to secure his Grade A licence. However, the leap to GT3 machinery introduces a new level of complexity and performance.
At 39, Kobayashi continues to expand his already impressive career, which includes his role in the FIA World Endurance Championship. Notably, he also recently transitioned from KCMG’s Super Formula programme to a new chapter with the KDDI TGMGP TGR-DC team.
As he approaches this milestone, Kobayashi remains focused on learning and development: “NLS3 will be my very first time to take on the historical Nordschleife in a GT3 car and I’m excited and looking forward to the week with KCMG,” said Kobayashi. “There is a lot of work to do but I’ll build myself up step by step, and hopefully we learn a lot by the end of the weekend, to help us be prepared for the upcoming races! “Huge thanks to Paul [Ip, team owner] for this opportunity to be back again with the KCMG family.”
Kobayashi strengthening the KCMG line-up into 2026 NLS3
KCMG heads into NLS3 determined to improve on its 10th-place finish in the previous round. The team continues to adapt to the Mercedes-AMG GT3 platform, and Kobayashi’s addition strengthens an already capable roster.
Team manager Matt Howson highlighted both the opportunity and expectations: “It’s a real privilege to welcome Kamui Kobayashi for his Nürburgring GT3 debut. It will be a learning weekend for him, but with his speed, experience and the ability to gain knowledge from David, Jesse and Edo, we have a very strong line-up and can target a top result.
“KCMG is adapting to the Mercedes-AMG GT3 quickly, NLS3 is another important step in this process and our objective is to gather more data, improve on NLS2 in all areas and continue to refine the overall package as we head towards the Nürburgring 24 next month.”
Looking ahead, the team approaches the weekend with a dual focus. On one hand, Kobayashi aims to build confidence in GT3 machinery at one of the world’s most demanding circuits. On the other, KCMG seeks measurable progress as it prepares for the prestigious Nürburgring 24 Hours.
Therefore, NLS3 serves not only as a race but also as a crucial stepping stone. With a strong driver line-up and clear objectives, KCMG positions itself to make meaningful gains—both in performance and experience—on the road to its next major challenge.
