Jean-Karl Vernay is eyeing Japan

The year 2012 for Jean-Karl Vernay was not the easiest. In January, the 25-year-old Frenchman was one of the collateral victims of the sudden end of the program Peugeot Sport en Endurance. After a year as a reserve, the 2010 Indy Lights champion had nevertheless won his starting place. But not one to give up, JK left in search of another program. If he was once announced at Luxury Racing (he was even present at the 12 Hours of Sebring, for the opening round of the WEC), the deal could not be made, the French team needing financial support. On the other hand, he showed himself to his advantage during his only appearance in prototypes this year, during the test day of the 24 Hours of Le Mans (June 3), driving Sébastien's Oreca 03-Nissan Loeb Racing.

C’est finalement au sein du team du nonuple champion du monde des rallyes, et en Porsche Matmut Carrera Cup, que le Villeurbannais a trouvé refuge. Son objectif ? Coiffer la couronne dès sa première année dans la discipline. Une mission menée à bien avec brio, comme le prouvent les statistiques : 6 victoires, 4 pole positions et 13 podiums en 14 courses. Fort logiquement, JK s’est vu convier par Porsche à participer au Porsche Supercup Scolarship program. Une journée d’essais organisée à Vallelunga (Italie) à l’issue de laquelle l’un des sept pilotes conviés se verra reverser une bourse par Porsche A.G., pour prendre part à la Porsche Supercup en 2013. Le verdict devrait être connu sous peu.

In mid-November, Jean-Karl Vernay does not know what his program will be like in 2013. However, he would like to follow in the footsteps of his friend Loïc duval in Japan. After going to the Porsche Matmut Carrera Cup awards ceremony last night, Jean-Karl is flying to Tokyo today. Monday and Tuesday, he will carry out Formula Nippon tests at the Fuji circuit, driving a Swift-Honda HR12E from Docomo Team Dandelion Racing. A team crowned champion in 2012, and which drove Loïc Duval in 2010. Jean-Karl could even be offered a double program Super GT – Japanese Championship Super Formula (new name of Formula Nippon in 2013. Editor's note). Given the recent developments in the careers of Benoît Tréluyer, André Lotterer and Loïc Duval, all three winners in both disciplines, this choice would certainly be extremely interesting for the young Frenchman.