Villeneuve: “The first round surprises”

Jacques Villeneuve made his debut this Saturday in Andros Trophy. On the Val Thorens circuit, the Quebecer cut his teeth. But it was not while driving that he discovered this route. “ I was first the passenger of Olivier (Panis) and there, already, I started to ask myself questions, he told us. The first round is surprising. »

After this discovery, the World Champion of F1 (1997) began to study ice flying. “ You already have to have another approach by looking out the side window. Then, you have to ask yourself how to dose the gases, how to control your trajectory »

He admits to having a little experience of drifting on track, even if the Andros Trophy is on a completely different level. “ The appeal – counter-appeal, I already had a little idea because we use this technique a little in Nascar because cars are heavy. I've done a lot of motocross, snowmobiling, skiing: these sliding experiences helped me but that has nothing to do with it! »

Jacques Villeneuve's first laps in the Skoda Fabia were not the easiest. “ I did a few slow laps but, during the second race, I attacked to see what it was like, going into reverse and looking for the limit, otherwise you never do it. As a result, every three turns, I was in the snow bank. It was a little more complicated »

But the former F1 driver is not discouraged. “ I love challenges! It's going to be great, it's a new discovery. I am not someone who gives up, even if it is difficult. With reflection and experience, things will improve. Especially since Olivier came up with me to give me comments. I was able to adjust my driving, that's great. »