Skoda wants to confirm its title

Skoda, which won its first title in the Andros Trophy la saison passée grâce à Jean-Philippe Dayraut, veut confirmer cet hiver. Les voitures de la marque tchèque font figure de favorites depuis le retrait de Toyota, qui faisait rouler Alain Prost and Olivier Panis last winter. The two former pilots of Formula 1 are still present, one went to Dacia, the other to Skoda.

« The objective is to win races and fight for the trophy, it's obviousthis, confides Olivier Panis. But I know it won't be easy because there are a lot of good drivers, good cars, a new manufacturer. It will be tight, like every year. We're all here for the same thing, to win, even if it's a great, friendly trophy. »

« We can't wait to start the Trophy, adds Jean-Marc Prince, director of Skoda France. We have ants in our legs. Last year, we were challengers. From now on, we must assume our status and defend our title. We want to keep the drivers' title and why not win the manufacturers' title. » With Jean-Philippe Dayraut, title holder, and Olivier Panis, the mission is not impossible.

But, against Skoda, Dacia will have strong arguments, notably Alain Prost, winner of the Trophy in 2007 and 2008. “ The main competitor is Prost, confirms Jean-Philippe Dayraut, holder of the 2009 title. He won two years ago, he was second last year. But Olivier (Panis) will be there too I think. In any case, if Panis and Prost find themselves fighting, it will be tighter than last year. »

Equipped, for the entire season, with a ballast of 20 kg due to his title gleaned last winter, Jean-Philippe Dayraut will have to deal with this handicap. “ Does this affect driving because we brake less well, we have more inertia? In addition, as I ?render? already 20 kg in Prost on a physical level, that already gives me a handicap of 40 kg. Not to mention an additional ballast of 40 kg in the event of winning a round. But I love driving on ice because, even without the best car, you can win, which is not the case on the track. »

Jean-Philippe Dayraut will share his Skoda Fabia ?ice? this winter? with Paul Belmondo, who don't do Andros as a tourist. » The former F1 driver, without setting specific objectives, wants to look good. “ I want to do what I did at the end of last season. My goal is to be close to the four ?big arms? who are Olivier Panis, Jean-Philippe Dayraut, Alain Prost and Franck Lagorce. »

The young Grégoire Demoustier, entered last year in the Andros Trophy with Toyota and who raced during the good season in Formula BMW Europe, will team up with Olivier Panis, like last year. But the native of Villeneuve d?Ascq, who must pass his car license next Monday, wants above all to gain experience. “ I trust Olivier?s advice, I have already spent a season at his side, he confirms. I will focus on not making mistakes, gaining as much experience as possible, doing as many laps as possible, not damaging the car to allow Olivier to play for the championship. »