Gounon: Alpine Reserve Role “First Step” in Prototype Hopes

Jules Gounon described his new deal as reserve driver for Alpine’s FIA World Endurance Championship Hypercar program as a “first step” towards a future in prototype racing, although he stressed he remains committed to Mercedes-AMG for the foreseeable future.

Gounon was confirmed last week to be joining the French manufacturer’s WEC operation in the capacity of reserve driver, joining Alpine at the official launch of its A424 LMDh car at its Formula 1 base in Enstone.

The arrangement will mark Gounon’s foray into prototype competition, should he race, as the Andorran driver has exclusively competed in GT machinery in his career.

Gounon revealed that discussions with Alpine, through Signatech team principal Philippe Sinault, first began at the 2022 8 Hours of Bahrain, when the French brand was still working through its first attempt in the Hypercar class with the grandfathered A480 Gibson LMP1 car.

“The first time that he spoke to me about a project in Hypercar was a surprise to me,” Gounon said.

“Because as a GT driver I was a few times in talks before with different manufacturers but always the fact that I was lacking experience in downforce and single-seaters was a big [obstacle] to me to go in such a car.

“Obviously during the year we continued to talk and so on and for me it was quite difficult as I am a Mercedes-AMG factory driver also on the side so it was all about seeing if Mercedes would agree to let me do it and that’s how we finished up as a reserve driver.

“So I would like to thank Mercedes-AMG, but also Bruno Famin and Philippe Sinault for making this happen. It’s always been a dream for me to be part of the top [class] of endurance racing.

“So the first time when I did my seat fitting in Bourges [Signatech headquarters] and I was sitting in the car, I was like, ‘Here we are.’

“I remember 15 years ago sitting in my dad’s car in Le Mans and I was always hoping and saying to myself I need to work hard enough to be in one one day and I did my best.

“I’m very proud of where I come from, how I went there and to be here today is a first step into the top category for me and I hope more will come in the future.”

Gounon admitted that a race seat with the French squad was “part of the discussion” but felt that it was the best decision to settle as a role as reserve driver out of loyalty and obligation to Mercedes-AMG.

He said that he approached Head of Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing Stefan Wendl directly to get his approval for the project, seeking a one-on-one meeting to plead his case.

“I took my flight from Andorra to Berlin and I asked him if he had two hours for me during his lunch break at home to talk to me,” Gounon said.

“So I went there and then we went to dinner and he was like, ‘So what’s going on, are you leaving us?’

“I said, ‘No, I would like to introduce you to this project. I’m very happy with you guys but my biggest dream is Hypercar and Le Mans. So can you let me do it as a first step with Philippe, Bruno and the whole Hypercar team?’

“He agreed, so it was very nice. It was a great start for me to be able to start as a reserve driver. I have a lot of tests this year, a lot of simulator work and it also allows me to continue all my GT duties.”