SunEnergy1 Mercedes Sets New Benchmark in Test Session 2

Photo: Gruppe C/Mercedes-AMG

SunEnergy1 by SPS set a new benchmark time in the second and final test session for the Kyalami 9 Hour, ahead of the start of official track action this evening.

The No. 75 Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo of Jules Gounon reeled off a best time of 1:42.578 late in the two-hour session to go quickest overall.

Gounon had set the pace in the morning session as well, although with a time that was six-tenths slower than the new fastest time of the weekend.

Co-driver Kenny Habul, a Bronze-rated driver, meanwhile, set his personal best of 1:43.232 in the session, which would have put the reigning Pro-Am Challenge champion fourth overall on the time sheets.

Gounon’s late flyer came after a trip into the gravel trap for the Pro-Am class Mercedes, which brought out the session’s only red flag.

GruppeM Racing’s Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo had led the way entering the final 30 minutes of the session but was forced to settle for second quickest, at a 1:42.943 lap time.

The No. 4 Grove Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R completed the top-three overall, with the No. 32 Team WRT BMW M4 GT3 and No. 66 Tressor Attempto Racing Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo II completing the top-five overall.

The session start was delayed by 30 minutes due to an accident in a support series that required a lengthy cleanup.

Free Practice, which will also double as a night-time session, is scheduled to get underway at 6:40 p.m. local time but could be delayed due to the earlier stoppage.

RESULTS: Test Session 2

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John