Bernhard, Rast among drivers added to Race of Champions

Three-time Le Mans winner Timo Bernhard and reigning DTM champion Rene Rast are among six drivers who have been added to the line-up for the Race of Champions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia next month.

Bernhard and Rast will join the likes of Tom Kristensen, David Coulthard, Juan Pablo Montoya and Petter Solberg in battling for both individual and international honours in the two-day event at the King Fahad International Stadium on February 2-3.

2017 FIA World Rallycross champion Johan Kristoffersson, Formula 3 star Joel Eriksson, European Le Mans Series winner Memo Rojas and NASCAR Mexico title-holder Abraham Calderon have also been added to the roster for the event.

"Believe it or not I visited the Race Of Champions way back in 1989 when it came to the Nürburgring. That day I was just watching with my Dad but ever since I’ve been waiting for my chance to compete – and now that day has arrived!" Bernhard said.

"I’m really looking forward to racing on the famous ROC parallel track, and it will be a true privilege to take on such an amazing field of great drivers from all over the world who are all experts in their own fields. Bring it on."

Kristoffersson added: "I’m thrilled to be competing at the Race Of Champions for the first time in Riyadh next week. I’ve long been a fan of the event and I’ve learned even more this year because my WRX team-mate Petter Solberg won’t stop talking about how great it is!

"Now I can finally experience ROC first-hand. It’s an honour to represent Sweden together with Joel Eriksson. Of course it will be a big challenge as a rookie, but I used to race touring cars so I hope that mix of experience can help me adapt quickly to all the different cars.

"Either way I look forward to putting on a great show for all the fans watching in the stadium and all over the world.”