6 Hours of Spa: Jules Gounon is heading out for another lap with Alpine
After having had his chance at Imola, the French driver Jules Gounon will take part in his second prototype race: he will compete in the 6 Hours of Spa this weekend to continue his discovery of the prototype.
The misfortune of some is the happiness of others! Ferdinand Habsburg, driver of the Alpine No. 35 Hypercar and then injured, left a vacant spot. Jules Gounon was able to replace him as a reserve driver.
The native of Aubenas, in Ardèche, experienced a rather eventful first, during the 6 Hours of Imola, a month ago. He was tasked with finishing the race in challenging track conditions.
This relay started in Imola was formative, to say the least, he also summarizes. We knew that this track was not the most obvious for our car. I experienced it as a test, because these cars are very complex, with all these procedures. Not having ABS, overtaking the GTs, it’s something that you have to learn to manage. I stepped out of my comfort zone and I have to continue learning.
Learning will be able to continue for Jules Gounon, with a second race to be contested, during the 6 Hours of Spa, which will take place on Saturday. Happy memories for him, as he returns to the scene of his victory at the 24 Hours of Spa in 2017.
“(…) And it will be the first time I drive there so fast!”, he said laughing. “It’s really nice on such a beautiful track. There is infinitely more grip than what I’m used to. I’m trying to learn as much as possible, especially since there is little practice time available.”
In the big swimming pool, before Le Mans.
This Spa race will also be an opportunity to assess oneself compared to the competition, notably BMW, Lamborghini, and Isotta Fraschini, who arrived this year in the WEC with Alpine, after the others.
« For example, we know that BMW is almost two years ahead of us, because they have already raced in IMSA, which means they have obtained twice as much data as us,” says Jules Gounon. « Alpine only participates in WEC and we must first and foremost focus on our work at the moment. At most, we can assess the situation compared to the other manufacturers once the race is over.
The 6 Hours of Spa are, for the vast majority of drivers and teams, the ultimate opportunity to prepare for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. But Jules Gounon is in a different position.
« My goal is quite different: I know why I am here, my role is to replace Ferdinand (Habsburg). My sole task is to produce the best possible result and, why not, help others to do better than at Imola. I can rely on experienced teammates (Charles Milesi and Paul-Loup Chatin) to support me and help me improve as a driver. »
