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.

It is ultimately within the team of the nine-time world rally champion, and in Porsche Matmut Carrera Cup, which the Villeurbanne resident has found refuge. His goal ? Winning the crown in his first year in the discipline. A mission carried out brilliantly, as the statistics prove: 6 victories, 4 pole positions and 13 podiums in 14 races. Quite logically, JK was invited by Porsche to participate in the Porsche Supercup Schoolship program. A day of testing organized in Vallelunga (Italy) at the end of which one of the seven invited drivers will receive a grant from Porsche AG, to take part in the Porsche Supercup in 2013. The verdict should be known shortly .

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.