Weight, the enemy of performance

We continue our immersion in the e-Trophée Andros 2023-2024, the latest edition of this ice car race. We've been following driver Aurélien Panis since the start of the championship on December 9 and 10 in Val Thorens. Today, we'll be talking to him about a technical subject: weight and its influence on car performance.

Minimum weight

Weight is often referred to as the worst enemy in motor sports. Every gram lost helps gain speed. In some competitions, a minimum weight may be mandatory. This is the case in the Trophée Andros, where the minimum weight imposed, with the driver on board, is 1130 kilos. A good strategy is essential: fine-tune weight distribution and lower the center of gravity.

Weight distribution and gravity

Aurélien Panis explains that the main aim is not to exceed this weight, because the heavier the car, the greater the inertia. The heavier the car, the greater the inertia, making it more difficult to stop and accelerate. On ice, this is even truer, as grip is reduced.

The second important point is weight distribution. It is important to be as light as possible to manage the distribution of ballast and achieve the minimum weight of 1130 kg. For optimum performance, ballast positioning should be close to 50/50. It should also be as low as possible to lower the center of gravity. This will reduce "roll", making for a healthier, more stable car.

A handicap system for the Andros Trophy

The special feature of the Andros Trophy is the use of a ballast handicap system based on results. At the end of each race, the top three drivers receive 60, 40 and 20 kilos of handicap respectively for the following race. Understandably, it's very difficult on the Andros Trophy to win two races in a row.

If you finish on the podium, the aim is to manage the handicap as well as possible in the next race. We need to lose as little performance as possible and still achieve a good result.

Aurélien Panis concludes: "Weight management is decisive for consistency throughout the Trophée Andros. It plays a major role in performance".