Andros: difficult start for Skoda

Skoda, after dominating the Andros Trophy last winter, this new edition of the winter competition did not start off in the best possible way. If Jean-Philippe Dayraut is no longer there? leaving at the wheel of a BMW 1 Series prepared by Saintéloc?, Skoda hoped to shine thanks to its headliners, Olivier Panis and Franck Lagorce.

But everything did not go as planned for the men in green. Olivier Panis, now experienced at the wheel of the Skoda Fabia Glace, was unable to place himself at the forefront on the Savoy circuit. “ Val Thorens has never succeeded for me, to believe that I am cursed on this circuit. On the other hand, I have already won in Andorra, that gives me confidence for this next Trophy meeting. », explains the former pilot of F1, who hopes to catch up next weekend.

On Sunday, Franck Lagorce's second place during the qualifying heats of race 2 reassured Skoda somewhat, which however knows that expectations will be higher in Andorra. “ We will work to get ourselves back into working order. We hope to regain our rank in Andorra », Explains the Skoda team managers.

In the general classification, Alain Prost and Jean-Philippe Dayraut are leaders in the ranking, embarking on a new duel expected by all. The best Skoda driver is Olivier Panis, sixth, while Jacques Villeneuve made a very honorable debut, with tenth place overall.

« I am happy with my progress, it was in the peloton finals that I learned the most. This allowed me to directly observe the style of my competitors. However, being competitive is one thing, playing a role up front is another. From what I understand, experience plays a very big role in this type of competition, that's what I need to acquire first », Explains the Canadian, who promises that he will do his best to be able to ride next weekend, in Andorra.