Jules Gounon has set a new track record at Bathurst in a Mercedes-AMG GT3: He needed 1:56.605 minutes on the Mount Panorama Circuit
Jules Gounon has set a new track record at the Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst: The current Intercontinental GT Challenge champion lapped the 6.213-kilometer circuit in 1:56.605 minutes, the fastest lap time ever set by a GT car. However, he had a special Mercedes-AMG GT3 at his disposal.
The record-breaking vehicle did without the air restrictor, allowing the 6.2-liter V8 engine to demonstrate its maximum performance and deliver around 650 hp to the asphalt. It also featured a drag reduction system (DRS) derived from Formula 1, which enabled a top speed of 308.71 km/h on the 1.916-kilometer Conrod Straight.
In the twisty middle sector, Gounon not only took advantage of the carbon brake system, but above all the optimized aerodynamics package with revised front apron, splitter, side skirts and efficient rear diffuser.
Gounon: “Record lap demanded everything from me “
“It was an incredible experience for me,” said a delighted Gounon about his new track record. “The Mount Panorama Circuit is one of the most beautiful race tracks in the world and one of my favorites. Thanks to my three victories, two of which I achieved with the Mercedes-AMG GT3, it is something very special for me.”
“What we have achieved with our record-breaking car is truly fantastic,” praises the Mercedes works driver. “Everything feels even faster and more intense. The cornering speeds on the tires are impressive, the soundscape is simply spectacular. The record lap demanded everything from me, especially in the middle sector. Especially in Skyline, where I reached over 240 km/h. “
“The car really comes into its own in the corners and it takes a lot of effort to exploit this performance. A big compliment to Pirelli and our engineers for this masterpiece. It was an honor to be able to drive this special Mercedes-AMG GT3 on this memorable day. “
Gounon has “reached the limits “
Gounon beat the previous best time by 2.074 seconds. In 2018, Christopher Mies was the first driver to conquer the circuit in under two minutes. A few weeks later, this record was broken by the Brabham BT62.
On Friday, the team initially gathered experience to validate the set-up. In the process, Gounon was able to break the previous track record. In the second session, which took place on Saturday morning in ideal conditions with 21 degrees Celsius air temperature and 30 degrees Celsius asphalt temperature, the Frenchman set the final record
Mercedes-AMG Head of Motorsport Christoph Sagemüller confirmed to Sportscar365 that Gounon’s time was “pretty close” to the simulated predictions. “I think he definitely reached the limit of what is possible in these conditions and with this car,” Sagemüller believes. “But still, a 1:56.6 is a pretty decent time for a GT3 on this definitely difficult track.”
However, Mercedes-AMG currently has no plans to take the heavily modified car to other events for possible track record attempts. The record run in Bathurst took place as part of the celebrations for Mercedes-AMG’s 130th anniversary in motorsport
