Grosjean to make Andros Trophy ice racing return

The Frenchman, who has been a sporadic participant in the series since his debut in 2009, will compete alongside reigning Andros Trophy champion and World Rallycross podium finisher Jean-Baptiste Dubourg.

Grosjean has two event victories to his name, and finished on the podium in his last appearance at his home circuit in December 2014. He will drive a spaceframe chassis Renault Clio in the Elite Pro category.

"This round is ideally placed in the calendar and it is one of the races closest to my home,” said Grosjean. “It’s always nice to be able to drive on Friday evening and Saturday night, and most importantly, it’s at this circuit that I had my first experience of the Andros Trophy.

"It is a real pleasure to be able to drive the Silhouettes [class] car with four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering on the ice, it’s simply pure happiness!

"Then, for me it’s the ideal opportunity to meet the Dubourg family and share our common passions, as well as our friendship. It always produces unforgettable moments."

The Andros Trophy is famous for attracting top-level motorsport stars. WTCC legend Yvan Muller is a 10-time champion in the series, while Formula 1 champion Alain Prost has claimed the title three times. Monaco GP winner Olivier Panis is also a regular in the discipline.

Grosjean, who scored 29 points and finished 13th in the F1 standings this season in the Haas squad’s first campaign, is cautiously optimistic ahead of his return to the Andros Trophy series.

"Obviously, we all aim for the best result, but it has been two years since I drove on the ice and it’s never easy to fight against the specialists," he added.

“Seeing the performance of DA Racing, who won the Andros Trophy with ‘JB’ Dubourg, I know that I can count on the best team and I will take advantage of their advice to get a good result.

“Even with the 60 kilos of success ballast that were reserved for him as title holder, JB managed to take second place in the first race [of the winter] before winning the following one.

"These results reward all the efforts made by the DA Racing. There are many elements that motivate me to drive with the team, to try to race at the front and go for a podium, which would be my first in 2016.”