Villeneuve accuses Andros Trophy organisers of favouritism after Super Besse clash
Jacques Villeneuve and Skoda raised allegations of unfair treatment following the 2011/2012 Andros Trophy finale, after a controversial incident involving Alain Prost.
Jacques Villeneuve and Skoda publicly accused the organisers of the Andros Trophy of unfair treatment after the final round of the 2011/2012 ice racing season at Super Besse, where a controversial decision allowed Alain Prost to clinch the title.
Controversial finale at Super Besse
The final race of the season saw Prost and Villeneuve make contact in the Elite Sup Finale, putting both out of contention and forcing the organisers to red-flag the event. According to forum discussions and race reports, Prost was permitted to repair his Dacia Lodgy during the stoppage, a move Skoda and Villeneuve argued was not allowed under the championship’s regulations.
Villeneuve, driving a Skoda Fabia, had made a strong start, moving from third to first before the incident. After the restart, Prost rejoined the field and went on to win the race and secure the championship, while Villeneuve was placed at the back of the pack and ultimately left the race after the first lap. Spectators reportedly booed Prost, and Skoda’s frustration was clear.
Skoda compiles evidence of alleged unfairness
Skoda reportedly compiled a dossier detailing what it saw as repeated unfair practices throughout the season, and considered withdrawing from the Andros Trophy. The team’s grievances centred on what they described as inconsistent application of the rules and decisions favouring certain competitors.
The organisers, led by Max Mamers, faced criticism from both Skoda and sections of the crowd. Villeneuve’s camp described the situation as “rigged”, pointing to the decision to allow Prost to repair his car and rejoin as evidence of bias. No formal statement from the organisers addressing the specific allegations was available in the immediate aftermath.
Prost secures title as Villeneuve’s frustration mounts
Alain Prost’s victory at Super Besse secured his third Andros Trophy title, finishing ahead of Jean-Philippe Dayraut and Benjamin Rivière in the final standings. Villeneuve was classified eighth on the day after the incident and subsequent withdrawal. Skoda’s future participation in the series remained uncertain following the controversy.
The outcome capped a season of tension between teams and organisers, with the final race’s events pushing Villeneuve and Skoda to publicly question the integrity of the Andros Trophy’s decision-making process.
