Vettel to defend ROC crown as event moves to Miami

©Race of Champions

Four-time Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel has announced that he will defend his Race of Champions (ROC) crown, with the upcoming edition set to take place for the first time in the United States.

Following recent ROC events in Paris’ Stade de France, Beijing’s ‘Bird’s Nest’, and London’s former Olympic stadium, drivers will do battle at Miami’s Marlins Park on January 21-22 next year.

Already confirmed alongside Vettel are NASCAR champion Kurt Busch plus IndyCar champion and Indianapolis 500 winner Ryan Hunter-Reay.

“I’m very happy to have finally won the individual Race Of Champions title last year in London’s Olympic Stadium and I look forward to defending my title at ROC in Miami,” Vettel said.

“All the drivers are strong, and the top US drivers from NASCAR and IndyCar will certainly be extra motivated to win in front of their home fans now that the event is being held in their country for the first time.

“This will also be the first time ROC has been held in a baseball stadium so I’m curious to discover the new track layout.”

Last year’s ROC saw six F1 drivers plus two reserves take part in the event. Vettel explains what makes it so enticing for top-notch racers around the world.

“It’s the same track and identical cars for everyone so only driver skill makes the difference. The racing at ROC is always very intense and the head-to-head duels often decided by fractions of a second, so it’s just one strategy; flat out from start to finish! “ROC reminds us a lot about why we all first started racing; it’s about pure competition.

“The competition is very intense on the track and everyone wants to win, but it’s also about putting on a great show for the fans. I think all the drivers who have had the honour to participate in ROC fell in love with the event. It’s a privilege to be invited and to be able to come back.”

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Julien Billiotte