Current and former World Touring Car Champions José María López and Andy Priaulx have signed up for this year’s Race Of Champions event in London.
López, who wrapped up this year’s WTCC title with one round to spare, will partner American racer Ryan Hunter-Reay for the second time, having tamed up last year in Barbados.
“This has been another great year for me and this invitation to the Race Of Champions is the perfect way to cap it off,” said López. “This year the pressure was on and the competition with my team-mates was harder than ever so to win the championship three races early was an amazing result.
“Now I can look forward to racing my fellow champions next week in London. The line-up is amazing with great drivers from all over the world so we now look forward to putting on a great show for the crowds.”
Priaulx will partner British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) ace Jason Plato in Team England 1 of the Nations Cup event on the Friday.
Priaulx and Plato have both competed as rivals in this year’s BTCC, but will team up to try to take the teams’ title for England in the Olympic Stadium in London.
“What a great way to end a busy season – joining all my fellow champions in a fun head-to-head battle,” said Priaulx. “Same cars, same track: it will be an epic challenge. I love this event. Fredrik Johnsson and his team put on a great show so I can’t wait to get there and catch up with everyone.”
The Nations Cup event takes place on Friday November 20 – one week before the WTCC season finale in Qatar – with the Race Of Champions itself then following on Saturday November 21.
ROC President Fredrik Johnsson is pleased to be able to welcome the best of the best from the touring car world to the event, joining champions from other racing disciplines.
“We are thrilled with the line-up of driving royalty who will be joining us at next week’s Race Of Champions,” added Johnsson. “Andy and Pechito are two of the greatest touring car drivers of all time and they’ll be in good company among the superstars of Formula 1, Le Mans, IndyCar, Rallycross and MotoGP in London’s former Olympic Stadium.
“Now all we need is a packed house worthy of the occasion. Tickets are still available but I urge all British sports fans to get in quick!”