With 2014 drawing to a close, Benoit Treluyer was once again offered the refreshing opportunity to compete in the Electric category of the Andros Trophy in Alpe d’Huez (20 December). The event also served as a reminder for the Audi driver of what sparked his love of motor racing.
As with Lans-en-Vercors at the beginning of the year, the organisers of the Andros Trophy – ERDF and Max Mamers – didn’t need to ask Benoit twice to take part in the ice racing series. The Audi driver jumped at the chance to return to the welcoming environment of Andros for the weekend.
“Max has created a real closeness, warmth and simplicity with the Trophy that you can’t find anywhere else,” enthused Benoit. “You’re near to the fans and come across some familiar faces from Formula Renault or F3. For me, it was a real reminder of what made me fall in love with motorsport in the first place. Being able to dig into meals with the mechanics, see the W Racing Team (WRT) and take the time to chat to people – these are all things I don’t get to do during a busy WEC weekend where technical briefings and sponsor or press obligations take up your time. Here, I have the weekend to myself.”
And with that, the triple Le Mans 24 Hours winner endeavoured to enjoy the occasion!
“That’s what I came here for and I love it,” he continued. “Although there was a lot of snow on the first day, it then calmed down and didn’t ruin the party. In comparison to my first outing at the beginning of this year, I made good progress throughout the weekend. By the end I was as quick as the guys at the front but unfortunately lacked their consistency. Some corners weren’t icy at all, while others were. I think all it takes is a little more experience.”
In fact, Benoit barely had a chance to learn the track, with grid positions decided by the average from two four-lap qualifying sessions.
“When you’re learning and there’s not a lot of practice time, it’s really not that simple,” said the Frenchman. “At Lans-en-Vercors in January it was slightly easier, with most of the route being made up of chicanes and hairpins. Here you have to slide around every corner, lifting off the accelerator and then applying it again. It took some time to adjust but, by posting the second best time in the final qualifying session, I knew I was on the right track. The tricky bit is repeating the exact same lap four times in a row. It didn’t matter however, because my main objective was to enjoy myself and do as many laps as possible in the process. The weekend was a total success in that sense.”
Unsurprisingly, the experience has made Benoit keen to return for more.
“The Trophy takes place in the winter break, during which I’ve been kept busy with my chalet,” explained Benoit. The Alençon native has recently renovated a chalet at the Deux Alpes resort, comprising two 120-square-metre apartments with a gym that meets the specific needs of racing drivers and other high-level athletes. “However,” he stressed, “I’ve said to myself that I will try to take part in the main class next year. In terms of driving style, it’s the complete opposite of what I do in the WEC. Now that I’ve talked to people and spent some time in the garage adjusting differentials and the like, I’ve got a few ideas for 2015.”
If Benoit were to take part in the 2015/2016 season, his son Jules would undoubtedly be an enthusiastic supporter having been at his father’s side throughout the Alpe d’Huez weekend.
“That’s the other great thing about Andros,” reflected Treluyer. “You can come with your family. Melanie wasn’t able to attend because she was keeping an eye on the builders at the chalet, but my sister and brother-in-law came along with my nieces, nephews and Jules. I actually brought him to the starting grid in the car, which is something I obviously wouldn’t be able to do with the R18!”
It was like Christmas had come early for Jules and his Dad.
“It was a real treat for both of us,” concluded Benoit. “I wish everyone a very happy Christmas and a fantastic 2015. See you soon for the next adventure!”