Mercedes-AMG sets new lap record for GT cars at Bathurst in Australia

A successful record run by Mercedes-AMG at the prestigious Repco Bathurst 12 Hour. With a special version of the Mercedes-AMG GT3, the performance and sports car brand wrote another piece of motorsport history in Australia on Saturday. Mercedes-AMG Performance Driver Jules Gounon (AND) took up the challenge behind the wheel of the about 650 hp strong racing car at Mount Panorama Circuit. The three-time Bathurst winner covered the 6.213 kilometres at an average speed of 191.82 kph. With a time of 1m 56.605s, he posted the fastest lap time ever set with a GT car at the circuit.

The reigning Intercontinental GT Challenge champion took to the track in the run-up to the legendary endurance race in the Australian state of New South Wales. In his record attempt, the 29-year-old beat the previous best time at the iconic circuit by 2.074 seconds and illustrated the impressive potential of the Mercedes-AMG GT3. The 6.2-litre V8 engine, aimed at maximum performance without an air restrictor, combined with the drag reduction system (DRS) derived from Formula 1, reached a top speed of 308.71 kph. This was achieved on the 1.916 kilometres long Conrod Straight. In addition to the carbon brake system, the optimised aerodynamics package with revised front apron, splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser proved its effect in the middle sector, characterised by fast corners.

The operational team initially sent out the modified Mercedes-AMG GT3 onto the race track for a shakedown on Friday to gather experience and validate the setup. During this first assessment of the car, the record at Mount Panorama Circuit was already broken. In a second session, Jules Gounon broke the record once more. On Saturday morning at 9:20 a.m. local time, the team took advantage of the ideal conditions with an air temperature of 21 degrees Celsius and an asphalt temperature of 30 degrees Celsius to set the new record time of 1m 56.605s minutes during the final run.

>> Watch Jules Gounon's record-breaking lap

"What an incredible lap Jules pulled off here on the Mount Panorama today! GT3 racing cars have already shown an impressive development over the past decade. To demonstrate today on this iconic race track what is possible with our Mercedes-AMG GT3 is a special milestone for us at Mercedes-AMG. This race weekend also marks the start of our 130th anniversary year in motorsport. The will to compete, the passion for innovation and the hunt for records have always been a central part of our DNA. This anniversary is the perfect opportunity to revitalise this spirit with our record-breaking drive on the Mount Panorama Circuit. Our engineers have also shown what our famous Mercedes-AMG GT3 is capable of and that they have done an outstanding job. This record is something we are very proud of as a brand. Many thanks to everyone involved and of course to Jules, who brought this phenomenal performance to the racetrack." Christoph Sagemüller, Head of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport“It was an extraordinary experience for me. Mount Panorama Circuit is one of the world’s most beautiful racetracks and one of my favorite of all time. This track is so special to me with three victories, two of them with the Mercedes-AMG GT3. What we have achieved with our record-breaking car is truly fantastic. Everything feels even faster and more intense. The cornering speeds on the tyres are impressive, the soundscape is simply spectacular. The record lap demanded everything from me, especially in the middle sector with reaching over 240 kph across skyline. The car really comes into its own in the corners and it takes a lot of commitment to make use of this performance. Huge compliments to Pirelli and our engineers for this masterpiece. It was an honour for me to drive this special Mercedes-AMG GT3 on this memorable day.” Jules Gounon, Mercedes-AMG Performance Driver