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The Race of Champions: the countdown has begun

Formula 1 has made its Wembley Stadium debut, after Red Bull Racing ran laps around the famous pitch’s perimeter in a preview of the Race of Champions (ROC) this December.

David Coulthard blasted down the length of the grass, revving the RB3’s engine and burning the tyres, but says the demonstration will pale in comparison to the ROC, when the stadium is transformed into a tarmac race track.

“Obviously the perimeter road is pretty tight;” said the Grand Prix race winner, who will drive for Scotland in the event’s Nations Cup competition. “I just went around the edge but it’s a nice picture for me to have. I’m very much looking forward to being back here in December; it’s going to be a must-see event.”

Seven-times Formula 1 World Champion, Michael Schumacher, is the latest driver to announce his participation in the competition, which sees the world’s greatest drivers competing on equal terms to become champion of champions.

“I didn’t know Schumacher was coming back but that’s good,” said Coulthard. “I’d like another chance to try and beat him!”

The ROC’s organiser Fredrik Johnsson has also hinted at the participation of Formula 1 sensation, Lewis Hamilton, possibly giving racing fans their only chance to see Schumacher take on the young pretender. “I’ve spoken to Lewis and his father who have expressed an interest,” said Johnsson, who would open up the possibility of a Team GB should Hamilton choose to participate. “McLaren is asking him to concentrate on Formula 1 at the moment but he really wants to do it and we hope he will be able to participate.”

Also doing laps around Wembley were fellow Scot Colin McRae, a former World Rally Champion and Andy Priaulx, who is defending the FIA World Touring Car Championship title for the third year running and will partner Honda F1’s Jenson Button for England in December.

“Who’s the fastest? It’s a question everybody asks and the Race of Champions comes reasonably close to that in a fun sort of way,” said McRae.

“It’s quite a nerve racking experience. You have to jump into a car that you’re not sure how to start and race in front of tens of thousands of people. It all adds to the excitement of the day.”

Priaulx says the event is a great chance to mix with drivers from all categories and that competition is usually fierce. “It’s good fun but you’ve got to do the business as well,” said the BMW driver. “I think before the weekend it seems very relaxed. Last year I went out with David and Colin for a meal and it was very friendly evening. The next morning though, it was very different! There was a deadly silence; it was very clear we all wanted to win!”

For more information on the event, or to buy tickets, visit www.raceofchampions.com.