Renault : Winter Sports for Renault Sport cars at Val Thorens!

Renault Sport is pleased to announce a two-year partnership with the 'Ice Driving Val Thorens' driving school.

On the Alain Prost ice-racing track, drivers and trainee racing drivers can test the qualities of Clio R.S. and Twingo GT fitted with Continental tyres!

Val Thorens therefore joins a prestigious list of eight Renault Sport Partner Circuits, located throughout France, where customers can try models in complete safety.

Following the first snowfall of the winter, the Alpine peaks are already covered with a thick white blanket! For many, this is the sign of the forthcoming start to this year's winter sports season.

The highest ski station in Europe and the proud owner of many awards - it has just been named 'Best Ski Resort in Europe' for the third year running - Val Thorens attracts a demanding, international customer base. At the top of the famous Trois Vallées area, it provides premium access to the largest ski area in the world.

For motorsport fans, Val Thorens is also well-known for the Alain Prost racing track, the venue of the opening round of the Trophée Andros (3-4 December). From mid-December until April, the 760-metre track is then dedicated to tuition on ice driving techniques. The technical yet accessible track gives participants a genuine adrenalin rush, regardless of their driving skills.

This winter, Renault Sport will therefore be running a special operation at Val Thorens, specifically on the ice-racing track. Like the partnerships signed with eight 'traditional' race tracks in France, this two-year agreement will enable Renault Sport to organise a number of commercial activities and events involving its range.

Enabling drivers to acquire the reflexes needed for winter driving or to perfect their sliding skills, the driving tuition sessions organised by the 'Ice Driving Val Thorens' driving school will be held using Clio R.S. and Twingo GT. These cars will be fitted with studded tyres supplied by Continental, a Renault Sport partner.

This partnership will equally enable Renault dealerships to offer potential customers of Clio R.S. and Twingo GT a test drive in extreme conditions.

Eric Bernard, Sales and Marketing Director, Renault Sport Cars:

'We are delighted to add Val Thorens to the list of Renault Sport Partner Circuits. Given the strong ties we have with Alain Prost, we felt duty-bound to be involved with the ice-racing track featuring his name! Val Thorens is an attractive destination, because it gives us the chance to reach cosmopolitan customers from throughout Europe. Clio R.S. and Twingo GT are, by nature, fun cars to drive. On ice, they take on another personality, whilst losing nothing of their playful side. With support and guidance from the driving school monitors, drivers can acquire the right reflexes to ensure they can tackle wintry conditions in complete safety. This new partnership strengthens the range of exclusive services available, which includes the Renault Sport Track Days and the Specialist Dealer Network.'

Olivier Pignon, Director, Ice Driving Val Thorens Circuit:

'We are delighted and honoured to be able to co-operate on a shared development project with Renault Sport. Welcoming an automotive brand with such a rich past and present, not only in motorsport but also in manufacturing high-end products, will enable us to deliver even greater customer satisfaction. In terms of the tuition related to vehicle control and road safety, as well as the fun, sporty side of things, there can be no doubt that this new partnership will help us to give everyone the very best possible experience at Ice Driving Val Thorens.'