Formula 1 is followed by millions of enthusiasts around the planet but, what if the speed of cars was spiced by adding a slippery ground as the ice? This is what happens in the Andros Trophy, a motorsport championship in France that is held every winter since 1990.
It was created between rallycross rider Max Mamers and Andros food company. It attracts rally drivers, rallycross drivers and mountain race drivers as well as rally raid riders and speed motorists (Romain Grosjean, Alain Prost, Olivier Panis, Tiago Monteiro…).
The competition takes place on ice-covered circuits located in France, but it has also been held in Sherbrooke, Canada, or Andorra. Most of the circuits are located within or near ski resorts in the Alps and the Pyrenees, like L’Alpe d’Huez, one of the most spectacular. Since 1999, once the championship has ended, an exhibition race is usually held at other locations in France, such as the Stade de France.
The Elite Class, which is the highest class, features cars with engines of up to 3.0 liters, four-wheel drive and, sometimes, all-wheel steer. The competition consists of qualifying series, several rounds, semi-finals and final. All of them award points. In addition, the championship also adds penalties for the drivers who reach the podium. These races on ice are so successful that there are parallel bikes and buggies competitions.
