Bottas to make Race of Champions debut… at last

©AlfaRomeo

Valtteri Bottas will be flying the Finnish flag along with countryman Mika Häkkinen in the 2023 edition of the Race of Champions at Sweden’s Pite Havsbad on January 28/29.

Bottas will be making his debut in the popular winter event that pits drivers from several nations and a multitude of categories against each other in the knockout competition.

The Alfa Romeo F1 driver was scheduled to participate in the 2022 event in Sweden at the start of the year, but was forced to pull out at the last hour.

©ROCSweden

"I’m really looking forward to being able to make my Race Of Champions debut at last," said Bottas, who enjoys the odd rally outing every season.

"I’ve watched the event on TV for many years and I came so close to competing last year until I had to pull out at the last minute.

"It was tough watching everyone having so much fun throwing their cars around on the snow and ice in Sweden, so I’m glad I will now be joining them at Pite Havsbad in January.

Read also: Vettel and Hakkinen first to sign up for 2023 RoC

"I’m also thrilled to be able to partner Mika for Team Finland in the ROC Nations Cup. I have become good friends with Mika over the years, but it will be a special treat to be able to race alongside him.

"We’ve both taken part in the Arctic Rally a few times so hopefully that can help us beat our Nordic neighbours – and everyone else.

"Then we’ll have to put our friendship aside again and try to beat each other in the individual Race Of Champions."

As a reminder, RoC regular Sebastian Vettel will kick off his retirement from F1 with a run in the event in Pite Havsbad where he finished runner-up to Sebastien Loeb last time out.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.