October 22, 2025
MANN-FILTER driver Jules Gounon says: “The Mamba is simply iconic!”
Ludwigsburg, October 22, 2025 - Always smiling, up for a laugh, but still on point when things get serious. Jules Gounon (30, France) drove the MANN-FILTER Mamba in the DTM for the Mercedes-AMG Team MANN-FILTER this year. Known for his easy-going nature, his passion for racing, and his ambition, Jules can look back on a remarkable career: He is a two-time GT World Challenge Europe champion, IMSA champion, and winner of the 24 Hours of Daytona. His impressive résumé also includes two victories at the 24 Hours of Spa and three triumphs at the 12 Hours of Bathurst. Back in 2017, he claimed the ADAC GT Masters title, marking an early highlight in his career. Six years later, he added the GT World Challenge Endurance crown to his achievements. Most recently, he completed the 2025 DTM season in ninth place overall Time to chat with Jules and review the season.
MANN-FILTER driver Jules Gounon and its Mamba
How was your first season with MANN-FILTER for you?
Jules: First of all, I have to admit that I've always loved the Mamba, so it was a privilege for me to compete for MANN-FILTER in the DTM. The Mamba is simply iconic! My highlight of the season was definitely the first race weekend, which we started with a pole position, and also the podium successes we celebrated. But we also had to fight hard and it was a difficult season overall. I learned a lot and in the end I can only say: what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
What did you particularly like about working with MANN-FILTER?
Jules: It was my first time racing with MANN-FILTER, and I enjoyed every minute of it! The fan base is absolutely incredible. The Mamba's design is truly unique. People will still remember the Mamba in 10 or 15 years. I spent a lot of time with the fans, signed countless autographs, and handed out merchandise. The sponsorship with MANN-FILTER is something really special, and I hope I can continue it in the future!
MANN-FILTER stands for precision and high-quality filter products. How involved are you in the technology during a race weekend?
Jules: Filters are extremely important in a race car. If there is no filter or the wrong one is used, it can lead to engine damage in the worst case. I'm not a technical expert—my passion is racing—but I know that MANN-FILTER has the best filters, and I trust them. I also use them in my private cars, and how cool is it that I can use my sponsor's products in everyday life!
Mamba driver Jules Gounon
How closely do you work with your team and the mechanics during a race weekend?
Jules: For me, it's very important to understand what's happening. Not just on the track, but also in the preparation and follow-up work. I work very closely with my engineers and the crew and know exactly when which parts are replaced and which filter is used. I'm also very lucky that my father is a motorsport driver and has taught me a lot.
Topic: Sponsorship. How has this changed over the years in motorsports? What role does social media play?
Jules: Sponsorship has definitely become more challenging. In the past, there was sponsorship from the tobacco and alcohol industries. That is now prohibited. But working with sponsors is also different. Social media, Instagram, and Facebook are becoming more prominent as a way to share experiences more directly with fans and facilitate interaction. Sponsorship is a big topic in motorsports. Not only for the brands, but also for the people who identify with the products and their values.
How would you rate MANN-FILTER's sponsorship compared to other sponsors?
Jules: To be honest, there are sponsors that I wouldn't represent with complete conviction. But MANN-FILTER is definitely one of the partners that I am very, very proud of! That makes a big difference to me. There are many well-known companies and brands, but the support of MANN-FILTER is unique in comparison.
Jules Gounon and Mamba Fans
The yellow and green Mamba design is well known. What has been the experience with the fans? Are they purely Mamba fans, or have many of them also become Jules fans over the course of the season?
Jules: There are real Mamba fans! Very passionate ones, in fact. They love the Mamba and have been following it for a long time. Hopefully, they have also become Jules fans over the course of the season. The interaction with fans young and old was great and gave me a lot of pleasure. I hope I was able to give something back to them and that they had a lot of fun throughout the season.
After a successful 2025, do you already have plans for next year?
Jules: Yes! I've already planned everything out. To be honest, there's no big break for me. The details of my plans haven't been announced yet, but I already know exactly when and where I'll be racing. I'm currently at Paul Ricard testing for next year. I'm really looking forward to 2026 and everything the new year has in store!
MANN-FILTER would like to thank all its partners, fans, and supporters who made this season unforgettable for the entire team and Mamba rider Jules Gounon!
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About MANN+HUMMEL
MANN+HUMMEL is a global leader in filtration technology. Headquartered in Ludwigsburg, Germany, the Group develops intelligent filtration and separation technologies – including in the areas of Transportation and Life Sciences & Environment. Founded in 1941, the family-owned company’s solutions ensure clean mobility, clean air, clean water and clean industrial processes around the world. In this way, MANN+HUMMEL makes a decisive contribution to protecting the environment and to the sustainable use of limited resources. In 2024, around 21,200 employees at over 80 locations around the world generated a turnover of EUR 4.5 billion.
For more information visit https://www.mann-hummel.com