Mamers: “Jacques will want to be in front”

AUTOhebdo.fr: Max, how did Jacques Villeneuve come to the Andros Trophy ?
Max Mamers: Above all, it is a huge job on the part of Skoda and Olivier Panis. Olivier, who piloted in F1 with Jacques, presented him with the Andros Trophy and Jacques was seduced by the friendly atmosphere as well as the level of competitiveness of the drivers and cars.

In what state of mind do you think he comes to the Andros Trophy?
I think he comes with the aim of having fun and riding “cool”. But I also know what these champions are made of and, very quickly, he will want to be at the forefront. Alain Prost came “to see” 4 races and he finally stayed on the trophy for 7 years? We can't be sure that Jacques will like it a lot either!

Do you think he will be competitive on this very particular surface?
Ice cream initially gives rise to bizarre sensations which quickly become a real drug. But beyond the pleasure, the Andros Trophy is a very difficult competition to win. Jacques has all the qualities necessary to perform well on the ice but will have to “work” a little to familiarize himself with all the driving techniques specific to this surface and to these 4-wheel drive and steering cars.

Do you intend to let Jacques Villeneuve try one of the Trophée electric cars?
I'll leave him alone because he'll already have a lot to do with his own car. Driving a thermal and electric car is not at all the same and it is better not to get confused. Now, Skoda is entering an electric car in this Trophy and will perhaps want to give it a try.