24 Hours of Spa: Jules Gounon and Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing secure fourth in new Superpole format

Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing will line up fourth on the grid for the 78th running of the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa after Jules Gounon (AND) delivered a 2:19.735 in the new Superpole shootout to lock in the Mercedes-AMG GT3 #3 for the final Top-4 shootout. The time placed the car second in the second starting row. Lucas Auer (AUT) and Mercedes-AMG Team MANN-FILTER also advanced to the last eight in the revised elimination format, with the #48 ultimately eighth after the third Superpole segment.

Across the three Superpole segments, 32 cars qualified for the shootout. The #6 from GetSpeed Team Bartone Bros and the #20 from Team Motopark also made the cut. César Gazeau (FRA) took the #6 into the second Superpole segment and secured 11th on the grid and second in the SILVER Cup. Yannick Mettler (SUI) qualified the #20 27th overall and seventh in the SILVER Cup.

Thursday evening’s full-field qualifying had already seen several Mercedes-AMG GT3s lock in promising class positions. Winward Racing’s #87 claimed second on the grid in the BRONZE Cup, while the #222 of 2 Seas Motorsport lined up third. In the PRO-AM category, the #177 from Grupo Prom Racing Team recorded the third-fastest combined qualifying time, one class position ahead of the #999 from GetSpeed Team PCX Racing. Mercedes-AMG Team GetSpeed led the twice-interrupted session before the stewards struck all session times after the team failed to report minor brake work; the squad therefore missed the Superpole shootout.

With the new Superpole format concluded, the five Mercedes-AMG customer teams now focus on final race preparations. A 30-minute warm-up session is scheduled for 19:20 today, with the 24-hour race itself set to start at 16:30 on Saturday.

Stefan Wendl, Head of Customer Racing, Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, commented: “The first qualifying and the first Superpole in the new format were unfamiliar to everyone, but also extremely exciting. We’re happy with our grid positions and go into the race with realistic ambitions. The early sessions showed how strong the field is. Our goal is to keep the pressure on our rivals for the full 24 hours and stay in touch with the leaders right to the flag.”

Jules Gounon added: “Fourth on the grid is a promising starting spot. We’ve been improving the car all week and it felt really good today. The new Superpole format was fun—every lap could be your last, so every run has to be perfect. The cockpit is brutally hot, but we’re prepared and I’m looking forward to a tough race.”

Lucas Auer said: “The team did a great job and the Mercedes-AMG GT3 felt excellent throughout the Superpole. We start eighth, so anything is possible. The heat will make the race extremely tough, but we’re ready. Hydration and shade are key.”