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Jules Gounon has clinched three Bathurst 12 Hour victories in succession and turn out to be the primary in historical past to safe three titles.
However GruppeM Racing is fuming after copping a penalty late within the race at Mount Panorama on Sunday.
GruppeM Racing’s Maro Engel overtook Solar Vitality 1’s Gounon to pinch the lead at The Chase with 47 minutes remaining within the race, however he made contact along with his rival and despatched him spinning off the monitor.
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The incident was investigated and Engel was dealt a pit-lane penalty.
The German confirmed monumental combat in making up floor over the rest of the race, however the pit-lane penalty proved too nice a hurdle to beat.
“For me, Jules was on the finish of the braking zone, so I do not know what Maro may do as a result of he was dedicated to overtaking him already,” stated GruppeM Racing teammate Mikael Grenier on the Fox Sports activities broadcast.
However Fox Sports activities commentator John Hindhaugh condemned Engel’s transfer.
“That was completely on the playing cards from the second (Gounon) pulled out,” Hindhaugh stated.
“That an excessively optimistic lunge. There’s not a lot going for that in any respect.”
Bathurst nice Garth Tander additionally argued that Engel was within the incorrect.
“Engel jumped in behind Gounon like he wasn’t going to have a lunge after which stepped out and despatched it,” Tander stated.
“He is up over the kerb and creates contact.
“It is behind the rear wheel to start out with.
“He sends it exhausting on the apex and he is not far up there sufficient in actuality to get that job achieved.
“The contact, entrance bumper to rear wheel, was the incriminating proof.”
As Engel tried to peg again the deficit, Hindhaugh stated the 37-year-old was “fired up like a volcano”.
Engel was visibly shattered following the race, however in an act of sportsmanship, he walked as much as Gounon throughout an interview and gave his opponent a hug and a pat on the again.
Gounon and Engel had mixed to win at Daytona simply final week.
Within the Bathurst 12 Hour, only one.4 seconds break up winner Gounon of France, the second-placed Matt Campbell and the third-placed Engel, after 323 laps, or 2006 kilometres.
Solar Vitality 1 driver Kenny Habul delivered a priceless interview moments after the race.
“It is unbelievable,” the Australian informed Fox Sports activities.
“Luca (Stolz) and Jules simply drove the balls off this automotive and I’m so proud,” Habul stated.
“Due to Mercedes-AMG and because of the city of Bathurst.
“That is the best.
“And I needed to win outright.
“And, , I drove very well. I used to be happy with myself. And it was robust as a result of I had previous tyres from Luca after I received in.
“And I am simply actually proud. Happy with everybody, happy with the group.
“Thanks.”
Habul was then requested what he’d do with the tyres that drove the group to victory, prompting a superb reply.
“Nicely first I’ll run across the monitor bare,” he stated, drawing laughs from these inside earshot.
“After which after that, I’ll drink loads tonight.”
Gounon was ecstatic along with his win.
“I am lifeless,” he informed Fox Sports activities.
“Initially, I wish to make an apology to Maro for the contact.
“This week we needed to combat.
“It should be exhausting — that is what I stated. However to win Bathurst … I am sorry … I am actually lifeless!
“Having to defend and seeing nice drivers like Maro…
“We’re destroyed, however Kenny did an incredible job this morning.
“I am out of phrases, it is superb.”
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