Andros Trophy kicks off at Val Thorens

Skoda enjoyed a perfect start to the new Andros Trophy season as Benjamin Rivière scored victory in the opening race before former grand prix star Olivier Panis triumphed in the second.

Rivière beat Pierre Llorach (Renault Clio) and Evens Stievenart (Dacia Lodgy Glace) to glory in the first run at Val Thorens, with fellow Skoda man Panis just missing out on the podium in fourth.

The event was less successful for Formula One legend and two-time Andros Trophy champion Alain Prost, who could only bring his Dacia home in P9. The Frenchman's son and team-mate Nicolas, who has stepped up from the electric category, endured an even more difficult day, coming home 23rd.

1996 Monaco Grand Prix winner Panis secured Skoda domination with victory in the second run, fending off robust pressure from Jean-Philippe Dayraut (Mini Countryman). Jean-Baptiste Dubourg (Renault Clio) completed the podium ahead of ex-F1 racers Franck Lagorce and Prost.

Heading to the second round in Andorra next weekend Panis holds a slender three point lead over Dayrut, with Stievenart the same number in arrears of second place.

Watch the Andros Trophy on Motors TV


James Weeks