Reigning BTCC champion continues to lead the standings in the Trophée Andros ice racing series despite suffering a double-blow at the hands of four-times F1 world champion Alain Prost last weekend.

Muller struggled from the start on the wide Serre Chevalier circuit, which favours more powerful machines, such as the Toyota Corolla of Alain Prost. In his fully ballasted Kia Rio, Muller could only manage 7th and 15th positions in the two free-practice sessions. Ahead of his qualifying race, Muller’s team had managed to offer the Frenchman a slightly more competitive car, but the ballast was still hurting.

Starting from 2nd on the grid for his final on Saturday evening, Muller launched the Rio to the outside of the circuit in an attempt to pass pole sitter Didier Thoral, but he was slowed by the powder snow at the edge of the track, allowing Balas to pass for second position. The following lap, Muller looked set to reclaim the position but Balas held on and there was never another passing opportunity for Muller. Prost continued his impressive display to take victory in his final.

The format of the Trophée Andros events sees further qualifying and racing on the Sunday; Having shed the ballast from his Kia, Muller managed to out-qualify his team-mate, setting the fourth quickest time in qualifying for the final. Despite the effects of the sun on the ice-covered circuit, Prost continued to dominate, even with his 60kg of ballast from the previous day’s successes.

In the final, Muller once again set about attacking Bertrand Balas, but encountered further frustration, and being forced to settle for second. Prost made it a maximum points scoring weekend with another victory to go with that from Saturday.

The finale of the Trophée Andros takes place at the Stade de France in Paris, on Saturday 7 February. Seven-time champion, Muller currently holds a 38 point lead over Prost.