Brock book inspires 12 Hour winner Gounon

A Peter Brock book was a catalyst behind Jules Gounon’s inspired run to victory in Bathurst.

Gounon secured a second LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour win on Sunday.

The Frenchman defied a challenge from Maro Engel to clinch a second straight 12 Hour win.

Gounon was also at the wheel when Bentley secured victory in 2020.

SunEnergy1 Racing, which is owned by Kenny Habul, won its first 12 Hour.

Habul, Martin Konrad and Luca Stolz also claimed their first wins of the event.

Speaking afterwards, an exhausted Gounon fought emotions.

"I was pushing a lot; Maro also," an emotional Gounon said.

"It was very difficult; it was the first one who was going to give up, but I never give up.

"And f**k, sorry... I'm so happy for Kenny, Martin, Luca.

"It was crazy weather when I was driving, I was like, 'Please be like 2020, no rain'.

"Thanks to Mercedes, SunEnergy1; the team was amazing. Really, really happy.”

SunEnergy1’s alliance with Triple Eight paid dividends; the #888 Triple Eight Mercedes finished third.

Mercedes-AMG became the first brand since 2009 to sweep the outright podium.

Gounon paid tribute to Roland Dane, who was a last-minute call-up to manage the team.

Sunday's result fulfilled a lifelong ambition for Habul, who was taken aback by the opportunity to emulate mentor Brock.

Brock won a record nine Great Races, but never won the Bathurst 12 Hour.

Habul also owns a property on Conrod Straight.

Gounon revealed time spent reading a Brock book helped him understand the gravity of Mount Panorama.

"It was amazing,” Gounon said of Triple Eight’s involvement.

"Roland is so professional, the way he does the checklists and stuff.

"I'm not surprised [Triple Eight] is so successful in every race they do.

"I'm speechless, it's amazing; back-to-back wins here.

"I was reading the book of Peter Brock in my jet lag and I was like, 'Wow, this is so iconic to be here'."

The LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour will return on February 3-5 2023.

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