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Sparks fly at Wembley Stadium

Media information: 16 December 2007

Final preparations got underway this morning at Wembley Stadium as The Race of Champions 2007 star line-up put in their last few practice laps ahead of this afternoon’s motorsport extravaganza.

All 16 drivers took to the track in their ROC Nations Cup pairs, filling the stadium with the sound of revving engines. Highlights included Alistair McRae’s impressive skids in the Fiat Abarth, which he later tried to teach to ROC Nations Cup team-mate David Coulthard, and Heikki Kovalainen crashing at the wheel of the Aston Martin.

McRae in the hearts and minds of The ROC stars

Driver reactions from this morning’s warm-up:

World Touring Car Championship star Yvan Muller
“I was the first on track this morning so I drove with cold tyres, which wasn’t the easiest thing to do! You need a few runs to get them up to the right temperature. Good practice though in case this happens to me this afternoon.”

Five-time Norwegian Rally Champion, Henning Solberg
“It was ok today. I was in the buggie and it was proper driving which I really like!
It’s an honour to be drawn against Michael Schumacher here in The Race of Champions. I don’t know what my chances are, I will just try my best and we will see. The track is much quicker today, it should be good.”

2003 World Rally Champion, Petter Solberg
“It was good, but it was bloody cold out there! I think it’s getting warmer now and there’s more rubber so the track is much quicker; much better. It will be great action and I’m going to nail it proper!”

McLaren F1’s Heikki Kovalainen
“It didn’t go too well, I crashed just after the bridge. I was going a bit too fast in the Aston Martin but it’s not too bad though. I’ve been watching the other drivers this morning… It’s not really helpful but I’ve got nothing else to do at the moment! I think Michael and Sebastian seemed to be very even but everybody is very fast.”

Double World Rally Champion, Marcus Grönholm
“I was out in the ROC car, the track hasn’t changed too much – maybe a bit more grip.
I’ve no idea about the times but this is just for fun!”

Seven-time Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen
“Against Mattias in The Race of Champions, it’s going to be very hard, especially in the Ford. I had a gearbox problem this morning, which is sorted now.”

Two-time DTM Champion Mattias Ekström
“I felt good, the car needed some service but they will sort that out. The buggie is by far the quickest and the most enjoyable to drive.”

Red Bull Racing’s David Coulthard
“We’ve got beautiful Sunday driving conditions! The gearbox broke on the buggie so I’m hoping to get another go later. I was warming up doing my thing and as I was going over the bridge, the gearbox was seizing so I drove it off.”

1995 British Rally Champion Alister McRae
“It’s all about the entertainment! The S2000 car feels very good, maybe not the quickest but you can slide the car around and I’m sure it looks quite good! I was using the handbrake all the time; you have to keep on the revs and use it even in the quick corners…You just flick the handbrake, it’s just a dab but don’t overdo it.”

Formula One star Jenson Button
“It was alright, but there was a lot of oil down after Heikki put it in the wall so the last corner has quite a lot of oversteer now. I can’t wait for this afternoon though!”

Triple and reigning World Touring Car Champion, Andy Priaulx
“I went out alongside Jenson in the buggie, it was my first run and I think I’m a little bit behind.
Hopefully in my first race I’ll be up to speed but it was a good practice and I made no mistakes.”

Two-time and reigning NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson
“I’ve got my reference points sorted in the buggie car because it’s rear-wheeled. I’m not used to four-wheel cars yet.”

Eight-time X-Games Champion Travis Pastrana
“I prefer the ROC car, that’s the one I get a better feeling from. Jimmie looks like he’s in great shape and the USA team should go far!”

Seven-time Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher
“I’m lucky to have a team-mate like Sebastian, we’re quite even. The track is much the same except there is too much oil from Heikki!”

Scuderia Toro Rosso’s Sebastian Vettel
“It takes some time to get used to those cars but I think everyone is enjoying themselves. It’s an honour to driver alongside Michael. I got a better feeling today; I must have learnt it overnight as I seem much better today!”