Race of Champions will head to Australia for the primary time subsequent yr, with the annual all-star occasion heading to the Accor Stadium in Sydney.
Will probably be the primary time the knock-out competitors, which has been operating since 1988, has taken place in its typical stadium setting since 2019, when Mexico Metropolis’s Foro Sol – which additionally kinds a part of the town’s Method 1 and Method E circuits – hosted the occasion which was gained by native Benito Guerra. It’s going to even be the primary operating of the occasion since 2023 after it took a yr out this yr.
“We’re extremely excited to deliver the Race Of Champions to Australia for the primary time ever,” stated ROC president and co-founder Fredrik Johnsson. “ROC has all the time been about pushing drivers to their limits in distinctive situations.
“Australia has a wealthy motorsport heritage, and we’re wanting ahead to celebrating that by pitting a few of the greatest Australian drivers in opposition to a few of the world’s most legendary racing stars in a spectacular showdown in the course of Accor Stadium.”
Race of Champions attracts a variety of drivers throughout a mess of motorsport disciplines, with them competing in similar vehicles alongside a mirrored observe. Jamie Whincup is the primary driver to be confirmed for the occasion, which can happen on March 7-8.
“I had a good time competing on the Race Of Champions World Finals in Bangkok and Barbados,” stated the seven-time Supercars champion. “I’m thrilled to be a part of the ROC driver line-up once more in 2025, particularly with the occasion being hosted in Sydney.
“Competing alongside a few of the greatest drivers on the earth from so many alternative racing collection is all the time an unbelievable problem and representing Australian motorsport on house soil now that ROC involves Australia for the primary time makes it much more particular. I can’t wait to get on the market and provides it the whole lot for the Aussie followers.”
Earlier Race of Champions places embrace King Faha Sports activities Metropolis in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, LoanDepot Park in Miami, London’s Olympic and Wembley Stadiums, Bushy Park in Barbados, Rajamanala Nationwide Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, Merkur Spiel-Enviornment in Dusseldorf, Germany, Beijing’s ‘Hen’s Nest’ stadium, and Stade de France in Paris. The 2020 version of the occasion – gained by Timmy Hansen – was accomplished just about amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The earlier two editions have been contested on an ice observe in Pitea, Sweden. Mattias Ektrom is the defending champion, having defeated Mick Schumacher in 2023’s remaining to assert a record-equaling fourth title. Norway’s Petter and Oliver Solberg are defending Nations’ Cup winners, having gained the final two contests.
