The different track conditions and how to adapt to them?

As you know by now, the e-Trophee Andros is a car competition that takes place only on ice tracks. Since 2020, this rallycross-type race is contested by 100% electric vehicles. Our partnership with the racer Aurélien Panis is an opportunity to learn more about the techniques and sporty driving on ice. What are the different track conditions and how to adapt to them?

The six circuits of the e-Trophée Andros

The Andros e-trophy takes place during the two winter months every year. Six races are spread over six circuits. This year, the resorts of Val Thorens, Andorra, Isola 2000, Tignes, Lans-en-Vercors and Super-Besse are hosting the car competition. While these different environments are all unique and specific, this does not change the work to be done in relation to the track conditions. Regardless of the location, they are always changing rapidly and are the challenge and the specificity of the e-Trophée Andros. Aurélien Panis and his team must constantly adapt the performance and settings of theAudi A1.

The four track conditions

There are four types of trail conditions: fast ice, snow, bumpy trail and tar trail.

The conditions of the " white ice " track

These are the most frequent. At the beginning of each race, the track is not damaged. At this point, the ice on the tarmac takes on the hardest, smoothest shape of the weekend.

As a result, the grip of studded tires is more limited. It is therefore essential to have new tires, in very good condition and with well-shaped studs. The objective? To have the maximum grip, of course, to be able to play more easily with the track!

These conditions also encourage the driver to use the maximum power of the electric motor to get out of the corners as quickly as possible. It is also easier to make driving mistakes, says Aurélien Panis...

PHOTO BRUNO BADE

Track conditions when it snows

When it snows and the snow accumulates on the track, the grip conditions are different. The car becomes much less maneuverable because the track is less smooth. It is therefore essential to change the car's settings and raise the ride height to avoid the "sled" effect and gain in handling. It is also necessary to play with the tire pressures to get the maximum grip.

The bumpy track

In the middle or at the end of the weekend, the track starts to be damaged, as the cars pass by. It becomes more and more bumpy, with sometimes the appearance of holes and ruts.

Once again, Aurélien and his team had to adapt to these changes. The car's body must be raised again to avoid rubbing on the rough track. They will also change the settings of the shock absorbers to absorb more of the bumps.

As for the driver, he must avoid as much as possible all these obstacles that can damage the car and make you lose time.

Andros Trophy

The tar track

When the ice layer thins, the tar appears on the track. The tire pressure is one of the essential adjustments to avoid damaging the nails as much as possible. The team also reduced the power of the electric motor and switched it to Map2, to limit the spinning. From a driving point of view, it is necessary to slide less on the tarred parts to preserve the tires as much as possible.

You thought driving a sports car on ice was easy? As you can see, you have to constantly observe the track conditions and act accordingly. Adaptation is the key word for e-Trophee Andros competitors!