Gasly set for Race of Champions debut with Duval

Pierre Gasly will make his Race of Champions debut as part of Team France at this month’s event in Mexico during his preparations for the 2019 Formula 1 world championship with Red Bull.

The 22-year-old, who steps up from Toro Rosso to Red Bull in 2019, will compete with fellow debutant Loic Duval to represent Team France at the latest edition of Race of Champions which takes place at the Foro Sol in Mexico City’s Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez next weekend (January 19-20) which hosts F1’s Mexican Grand Prix.

Gasly will take on F1 rival Sebastian Vettel and a host of other high-profile drivers who compete in various identical machinery for the two titles – Nations’ Cup and the individual title.

“It’s a big honour to be taking part in the Race Of Champions for the first time,” Gasly said. “I’ve known about the event for many years, and I’m excited to see how it works first-hand at last.

“I know France has a rich tradition of driving success at the event so I’m looking forward to aiming for another strong performance in partnership with Loïc in the ROC Nations Cup.

“Most of all I’m looking forward to hearing the noise of the Mexican crowds. I know the Foro Sol well from Formula 1, it’s a spectacular venue and we will all put on a great show for the fans.”

2013 Le Mans 24 Hours winner Duval has a vast range of racing experience from his junior single-seater days, Super Formula, Super GT, endurance racing, Formula E and DTM.

“I've watched the Race Of Champions for years, and I've always been hoping I'd get a chance to have a go for myself,” Duval said. “Now it's happening for real, I can't wait to take on all these great drivers from motorsport series all over the world – not least in the ROC Nations Cup for Team France alongside Pierre.

“The event looks like an amazing experience and I'm sure the atmosphere at the Foro Sol will be special.”