Schumacher to partner Vettel at ROC once again

Michael Schumacher will once again team up with Sebastian Vettel at this year’s Race Of Champions in Bangkok to try and extend Team Germany’s run of five straight Nations Cup wins.

Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Schumacher first joined forces with the reigning two-time F1 champion Vettel at the traditional end-of-season contest in 2007 and the duo are unbeaten in the Nations Cup since. After Vettel’s participation in this year’s event in Thailand was confirmed in June, Schumacher’s attendance at the Rajamangala Stadium on the weekend of December 15-16 has now also been announced. In addition to their Nations Cup goal, both drivers will also be looking for their first triumph in the individual competition.

“I have never raced in Thailand before so this will be an interesting addition to my motor sport travels,” said Schumacher. “Of course it means Team Germany won’t have the home advantage of the past two years but Seb and I managed okay in London and Beijing so we hope it won’t stop us from keeping up our run!

“I’ve turned into a Race Of Champions regular and the event is very entertaining. It is not so much the competition which makes me come back as the fun and the time you spend with the other drivers. But racing in a stadium is sensational – and it’s a very different experience for us drivers to hear the fans so close. And of course we are all professionals so the moment we close the visor we want to win.”

ROC organiser Fredrik Johnsson said: “It’s great news that Michael will be joining us again for ROC in Bangkok. He is the most successful Formula 1 driver of all time and we were delighted to see him back on the F1 podium in 2012. We’re proud that he enjoys the Race Of Champions and we hope fans from Thailand and around the world will grab this chance to see this racing legend in action.”

Watch the Race Of Champions LIVE on Motors TV.

Peter Allen