Engel: Late Gounon clash 'unfortunate'

Maro Engel says his late clash with Jules Gounon was “unfortunate”, but was adamant he "had to make a move”.

Engel sent Gounon into a spin at The Chase as the pair squabbled over the lead in the final hour.

Gounon went on to win the LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour after Engel — who finished third — was penalised.

While Gounon won for a third time, it was another near-miss for Engel, who sailed to pole position on Saturday.

It came a week after Gounon and Engel combined to win their class at the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

Speaking after the race, GruppeM star Engel said he respected the penalty decision, but knew he had to make a move.

The battle was set up after the #999 GruppeM Mercedes-AMG required a modem change in its final stop, handing Gounon track position.

“As Jules said, we’re all good friends, Jules, Kenny and Luca,” Engel said.

“At the same time, it’s really disappointing for us.

"It was our race, we had everything under control until we were requested to add the data logger at the pit stop.

“From there on, I knew I had to make a move. They were so quick on the straight.

“Even though I had fresh tyres and good exits, he was quick up the straights.

“It was unfortunate we came together. I respect the decision from Race Control. Not much more to say.”

Engel sought out Gounon at the victory lane celebrations, and the Mercedes-AMG factory stars embraced.

The race ended in a thrilling battle between Gounon and Manthey EMA Porsche’s Matt Campbell, with the final margin 0.9s.

Gounon was forced to defend on used tyres in the final stint, with Campbell and Engel both on fresh rubber.

“I’m dead,” an exhausted Gounon said under the podium.

“I want to say sorry to Maro for the contact, last week we won an amazing race.

“This week, we had to fight… it’s gonna be hard, to win Bathurst.

“I’m sorry, I’m really dead. The last stint with old tyres, having to defend.”

Later, Gounon added: “When you drive flat out with Maro hunting you down, or Matty Campbell, it’s a difficult feeling.

“I have not so much hair, but every race here, I lose much more.

“I was not confident at all [holding off Campbell], he was closing really quick.

“With a GT3 [car], closing is one thing, but being behind wth aero wash is something else.

“It’s just amazing."