F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Race of Champions event moves to Saudi Arabia!

For the very first time in its 30-year history, the Race of Champions event heads to the Middle East, with its 2017 season finale to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

A regular milestone on the International motorsports calendar, the event pits drivers from various categories against each other on a short track, with an elimination process.

Prior to the Race of Champions, eight teams of two drivers compete in the ROC Nations' Cup using a similar format.

The ROC was last held at Marlisn park in Miami in January and saw Juan Pablo Montoya crowned Champion of Champions after defeating Tom Kristensen in the final.

This year's two-day edition will take place in early 2018 at the 75,000-capacity King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh.

"Our organisation is honoured to be working with the President of the General Sports Authority, his Excellency Turki Al-Sheikh, and Sela Sport Chairman, Dr Rakan Hussein, to bring Race Of Champions to the region for the first time in the event’s 30-year history," said ROC president Frederik Johnsson.

"As motorsport’s most forward-thinking property ROC is an event perfectly suited to Saudi Arabia, which is emerging as a modern sports market on the global stage.

"With women able to drive in Saudi Arabia from 2018, we feel this is an auspicious moment to be bringing a motorsport event to Riyadh.

"Race Of Champions is more than just a race: it is a truly global contest that includes many of the world’s best drivers along with top-quality entertainment for families."

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Michael Delaney

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