F1 star Petrov signs up for Race of Champions

Russian Formula One star Vitaly Petrov will become the first Eastern European driver to compete at the Race of Champions after signing up for December's Dusseldorf-based event.

The 27-year-old, who is contesting his second F1 campaign with the Lotus-backed Renault team, will join fellow grand prix racers Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel and Jenson Button at the event, which is also set to feature stars from the world of endurance racing, rallying and the X-Games.

“It was a great honour to be the first Russian driver in Formula 1 – and now I’m delighted to become the first Russian to compete at the Race Of Champions," said Petrov.

"I’ve followed the event for a long time and I know that all the drivers claim to be there for fun, while pushing as hard as ever in the cars. I’ve never raced in an event with such a quick turnaround of machinery but perhaps my unusual background in rally sprints and ice racing can help me. I’ll give my best and see what happens.”

“We’re always aiming to expand our horizons at the Race Of Champions so we’re thrilled to have our first Russian driver on board," added ROC race organiser Fredrik Johnsson. "Vitaly had a great GP2 career and he has carried that over to Formula 1 in the past two years. We look forward to seeing him take on ROC’s best in December.”

The season-closing Race of Champions takes place at Dusseldorf's ESPRIT Arena on December 3-4.

Watch the Race of Champions on Motors TV


James Weeks