Andros: Dayraut confident

Jean-Philippe Dayraut, winner of the Andros Trophy in 2008-2009 with Skoda, knows that this second winter with the Fabia ?ice? of the Czech brand will not be easy. With Olivier Panis at his side at Skoda and Alain Prost At the wheel of the Dacia Duster, the Toulouse resident has a big challenge to take on to keep his property. Especially since the evolution of the regulations will not help him.

« It is not to my advantage to see that the regulations impose a maximum of six tires per weekend, instead of eight last year, attests Dayraut. It could be a handicap given my driving style, because I tend to slide more than the other drivers. This will perhaps be to the advantage of Prost, who slips less and who has always been able to be efficient at the end of the weekend, because he is more respectful of his tires. »

Another point of disadvantage for Jean-Philippe Dayraut, he will carry 20 kg of ballast on board his Skoda for the entire season, due to his status as title holder. “ I will have more inertia, braking will be less effective », Explains the Haut Garonnais. “ If I win a race, I will carry an extra 40 kg and then it will become very difficult. We cannot do like in the days of Yvan Muller and win all the races, because of these handicaps. The strategy, however, will be to win quickly, score points and gain weight. »

Winner of the Andros Trophy last winter, Jean-Philippe Dayraut admits that he takes great pleasure in driving on the ice. “ It's more instinctive, less technical driving than on the circuit. You have to measure your driving according to the grip. And you can win on the ice without having the best car, which is not the case on the track. »

However, Jean-Philippe Dayraut is convinced that he has a very good car. After the press presentation last weekend, the Skoda driver says he is reassured about his level of competitiveness. “ I am approaching the Trophy in a calm manner. I am confident because everything went well at the press days. I noticed that I was well on the pace compared to the others. » Start of hostilities this weekend, December 5 and 6, in Val Thorens.