Mercedes star flags desire to race in Supercars

Three-time Bathurst 12 Hour winner Jules Gounon has revealed he is keen on racing in Supercars.

This weekend, the Andorran-based French driver will chase his fourth victory in the once-around-the-clock race alongside Luca Stolz and Aussie Kenny Habul.

A headline act at the Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour, Gounon has established himself as one of world motorsport’s best GT racers, and is arguably the 12 Hour’s greatest ever driver.

One of the best the Mountain has seen in GT3 machinery, Gounon last year clocked a 1:56.6054s lap in an unrestricted Mercedes-AMG GT3, a time that remains an unofficial lap record of Mount Panorama.

Also a two-time 24 Hours of Spa winner, Gounon has flagged he one day sees himself tackling Supercars, with the idea gaining momentum following a discussion with Stephen and Brenton Grove.

When asked by Supercars.com if he wants to tackle Supercars and the Bathurst 1000, Gounon said: "I would love to.

"I was speaking to the Groves in Abu Dhabi, and we were joking about how I love the life here.

"So maybe when I'm a bit older, and maybe when I finish what I want to do in Europe, I come to Australia and try to beat some of the big names in Supercars.

"I think it would be a very cool challenge. I think it's a very difficult car. The drivers have very high talent. As we spoke, there's not so much testing, so you need to adapt quickly.

“But I see myself doing it one day. Why not?”

International stars have recently made a splash in Supercars, with French countryman Alex Premat winning the 2019 Bathurst 1000 with Scott McLaughlin and DJR Team Penske.

Grove Racing has also fielded Matt Campbell and Kevin Estre in recent years, the latter impressing to sixth at the 2023 Sandown 500 alongside Matt Payne.

European drivers have a long history with the Great Race, with Le Mans legend Jacky Ickx celebrated at Mount Panorama on Thursday, reuniting with his 1977 Ford Falcon.

For now, Gounon is determined to add a fourth 12 Hour title to his record, claiming “six or seven cars” could be in contention for outright honours.

“There's a lot of competitive cars. It will be a very fast race, I think,” 75 Energy Mercedes-AMG driver Gounon said.

“The BMWs are very strong. The Ferrari, I think, will be a weapon, they have great drivers, great car. The Porsche also. Like every year, there are six or seven cars to win the race. We’re gonna try to do our best, like every year.

"When you enjoy and respect the Mountain.. it’s been quite kind to us at the moment, so we'll try again."

Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour track action will commence on Friday. Tickets are on sale now.