J.-K. Vernay: “I am available” to run in 2020

While the French players in the World Touring Car Cup (WTCR) are preparing for a postponed 2020 season (Aurélien Panis in FFSAGT and in GT World Challenge Europe, Yvan Muller and Yann Ehrlacher very probably returned to Lynk & Co), a French driver finds himself with his helmet in the water: Jean-Karl Vernay.

The 2017 TCR International Series champion, promoted with an official Audi Sport contract for the last two years in WTCR, cannot be sure of his future, while time is running out. Certainly, possibilities have been considered in Tourism, but the teams are increasingly demanding that drivers bring a nice check to the negotiating table.

“I had discussions with Lukoil, Hyundai and the Sebastian Loeb Racing. But the required budgets were not realistic. Cupra is a feasible option, but you also have to find money. It's been almost 10 years since I had the chance to benefit from paid pilot status. »

In these times when food shortages are feared, the world of motorsport is also facing a shortage of power steering wheels. “There are few interesting opportunities”, alarms the one who is nicknamed “Jay Kay San” since his move to Super GT in 2014. 

Author of an eclectic track record (Indy Lights, 24 Hours of Le Mans in GTE Am, TCR, Carrera Cup France), Jean-Karl Vernay is ready to cast a wide net. He demonstrated this last week by participating in the GT World Challenge Europe winter tests at Paul-Ricard (Var) with the Attempto Racing team. “The last time I had a GT3 was eight months ago. After 10 laps, I was only two tenths behind the times set by my teammates Mattia Drudi and Frédéric Vervisch, more accustomed to the Audi R8 LMS than I am.he says. 

« GT3 is the most stable category from a decade. When we look at the DTM for example, it's more complicated (R-Motorsport stop, two official manufacturers. Editor’s note). There are many things in decline in our sport. As for electric with the Pure ETCR, it's still a little early (first race in 2021. Editor’s note), especially since Hyundai and Cupra already have their drivers. »

For the moment, Jean-Karl Vernay is heading towards a piecemeal program in GT3 with Audi, in various championships. “The Australian GT is among other things plausible. It would be cool to stay within the Audi house, but nothing has been validated. It’s a manufacturer that maintains very good relationships with its drivers”, a hope reinforced by its convincing results in WTCR (5th in 2018 with 4 victories, 10th in 2019 with WRT, best representative of the brand at the Rings).

A solid performance which paradoxically leaves a bitter taste for the Frenchman. “It’s infuriating. So, if you're not performing well, it makes sense to get kicked out; this is the principle of high-level sport. But now, it's annoying to fight to stay in the game, when I think I've done a good job. »

The Villeurbane resident also believes that the late WTCR schedule worked to his disadvantage, as did the withdrawal of two VAG Group brands (Audi and Volkswagen) from thermal sports programs. “The championship ended very late (December 15 in Malaysia. Editor’s note). So, I didn't worry about 2020 earlier, especially sinceAudi made the decision to stop music just before Macau, End of november. It was brutal, we were not prepared for it. »

This bamboo blow is not a first in the Frenchman's sporting career. “When the program stops Peugeot Sport en Endurance At the beginning of 2012, it was Sébastien Loeb who helped me get back into the Carrera Cup, which allowed me to become a driver Porsche Next. Also in 2014, after my adventure in Japan, it was a personal sponsor (Leopard) who reached out to me towards GT and TCR. I will never forget all these helping hands. »

At only 32 years old, Jean-Karl Vernay does not yet see himself hanging up his helmet for good, even if the offseason is fraught with pitfalls. "JI am available to ride and I would like to decide when to stop my career. I think it's a little too early. However, honestly, sometimes I tell myself that it bothers me.

I love my job, but I know there are lots of other things to do in life. There is no shortage of projects. And then, I am well aware that the period we are going through (the coronavirus epidemic. Editor’s note), motorsport takes a back seat. »