Jules Gounon sustains minor hand injury in DTM crash, will miss Hockenheim test but return for WEC Fuji
Mercedes-AMG factory driver Jules Gounon has received reassuring news regarding his left hand injury following a DTM race incident at Sachsenring involving Nicki Thiim. Subsequent medical assessments in Andorra confirmed the injury is minor, with no fractures, only bone bruising and minor issues. While Gounon plans to rejoin the World Endurance Championship (WEC) race in Fuji, Japan, he will be absent from the upcoming DTM test at Hockenheim due to conflicting schedules, not the injury itself. The Winward team intends to prepare both cars for the test, potentially with a prominent substitute driver, as they pursue the DTM title.
Jules Gounon's recent crash in the DTM race at Sachsenring prompted concerns about his hand injury. Fortunately, medical examinations revealed it to be a minor issue, allowing him to focus on recovery and his upcoming WEC commitment. His absence from the DTM Hockenheim test is purely due to a clash with the WEC Fuji event, ensuring his participation in the championship. Meanwhile, his team is actively seeking a suitable replacement for the DTM test, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining a competitive edge in the title race.
Gounon's Injury and Rapid Return to Racing
Mercedes-AMG factory driver Jules Gounon can breathe a sigh of relief as recent medical examinations confirmed that the hand injury he sustained during a DTM race at Sachsenring is minor. Following a collision with Nicki Thiim's Aston Martin, Gounon experienced pain in his left hand and was seen wearing a splint. However, X-rays and MRI scans in Andorra, his home country, revealed only bone bruising and no fractures, which is positive news for the racing enthusiast. Gounon expressed his relief on Instagram, noting that while he needs to rest his wrist, he is already looking forward to returning to competitive driving.
The quick diagnosis of a minor injury allows Gounon to resume his racing schedule sooner than initially expected. He has confirmed his participation in the upcoming World Endurance Championship (WEC) race in Fuji, Japan, which is scheduled from September 25 to 27. This means he will have just over a week to recover before getting back into his Alpine Hypercar. Despite the quick turnaround, Gounon's focus remains on his performance in the WEC, highlighting his dedication to the sport and his determination to overcome this minor setback.
DTM Test Absence and Team's Strategy
Although Jules Gounon's hand injury is minor, he will not be attending the official DTM test at Hockenheim, which is scheduled for September 23, just two days before the WEC Fuji event. This absence is not due to his injury but rather a direct conflict with his existing World Endurance Championship commitments in Japan. The Winward team, which Gounon races for, still plans to run both of its cars during the Hockenheim test. This is crucial as his teammate, Lucas Auer, along with the Mercedes-AMG squad, are strong contenders for the DTM title against Manthey-Porsche driver Thomas Preining.
The team is actively seeking a suitable replacement for Gounon for the Hockenheim test. A Mercedes-AMG spokesperson indicated that a "high-caliber" performance driver would likely step in, if available. Former DTM driver Luca Stolz, who has three wins in the series and no conflicting schedule, is considered a strong candidate. This strategic decision ensures that both cars receive adequate testing and preparation for the season finale, demonstrating the team's commitment to maximizing their chances in the DTM championship despite Gounon's unavoidable absence.