Sebastian Vettel won't be taking part in the annual Race of Champions event scheduled to take place in January in Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh.
The Ferrari driver has been a regular participant in the traditional event which pits drivers from various categories of motorsport against each other in a variety of machines.
In his bid to hit the ground running with the Scuderia in 2018 and challenge once again Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton, the German will kick start his preparation earlier than usual.
When the Race of Champions gets under way in Riyadh, Vettel will already be hard at work in Ferrari's simulator, according to Germany's Sport Bild.
"My goal is to take Ferrari back to the top," said Vettel.
"I think it would be magical to take the title back to Maranello, just like Michael Schumacher managed to do. He still inspires me," said the 30-year-old.
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