Germany to host ROC

Germany will play host to the annual Race of Champions event later this year, organizers have confirmed.

The end-of-season event, which brings together drivers from leading motor sport series to do battle in identical machinery, will take place at Dusseldorf's ESPRIT arena on November 26-27.

The decision marks the return of the event to Europe after Beijing's Bird's Nest Stadium played host last year. The Stade de France in Paris and London's Wembley Stadium have also staged the event in recent years.

Formula One stars Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel have already signed up to race and will once again spearhead the German assault, with the formidable duo bidding to retain the Nations Cup for the fourth year in succession.

Schumacher, who has returned to F1 with Mercedes this year after three years in retirement, said: 'It's going to be very exciting to see The Race of Champions in Germany, particularly as Sebastian and I have won the Nations Cup for the last three years.

"So this is a great opportunity and a fantastic decision from the organizers. I'm really looking forward to defending our title in front of our home crowd."

Vettel added: "It is special to do this kind of event in front of your home crowd.

"It will be a unique experience and hopefully Michael and I will get a lot of support."