The Race Of Champions has introduced the primary 4 drivers for its inaugural New Zealand occasion, going down at Wellington’s Hnry Stadium on 9-10 January 2027.
The lineup will likely be spearheaded by four-time Formulation 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel, who has taken half in all however two Race Of Champions occasions since 2007. The German gained the Nations’ Cup six years in a row, from 2007 to 2012, alongside Michael Schumacher, and in 2017 with Pascal Wehrlein; he additionally triumphed in the principle contest in London in 2015.
“Earlier than ROC Sydney I went for a primary fast go to to New Zealand and was blown away by the great thing about the nation, so I instructed the organisers jokingly, ‘Are you able to please convey the subsequent ROC to New Zealand?’,” Vettel stated. “I’m actually trying ahead to competing in opposition to so many different champions from throughout the globe on the Race Of Champions in Wellington in January, and getting an opportunity to go to extra of New Zealand.”
A present F1 driver has additionally been introduced in Valtteri Bottas; the 10-time grand prix winner, now racing for backmarker Cadillac, will participate within the occasion for simply the third time.
Hayden Paddon, Hyundai World Rally Group Hyundai i20 N Rally1
Different sequence may also be represented with 2025 Supercars champion Chaz Mostert, who made his Race Of Champions debut final day trip that very same yr in Australia, and New Zealand star Hayden Paddon, a one-time WRC rally winner.
“It’s wonderful to see one of many world’s most spectacular motorsport occasions come to New Zealand for the primary time ever,” Paddon stated. “New Zealand is basically in a golden age of motorsport in the meanwhile throughout so many disciplines, and I can’t consider a extra becoming celebration of this than internet hosting the Race Of Champions, that pulls so lots of the greatest stars from all around the globe.
“That is actually a once-in-a-lifetime alternative for Kiwi motorsport followers to rise up shut and private with drivers from F1, WRC, circuit and different motorsport types, all battling it out in equal equipment inside considered one of New Zealand’s most well-known sports activities stadiums. It’s actually a historic occasion for therefore many causes, and I’m personally extremely proud to be part of it.”
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