Each world racing championship has its own stars. That is Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen in Formula 1, or Sebastien Loeb and Sebastien Ogier in the WRC. Each one is a real fast driver in his discipline. What if we could gather these top racers on one racing circuit? Race of Champions 2023 will continue the tradition and will present us with the fastest driver in the world. The event takes place in Sweden 28 – 29 January on the frozen ocean of Pite Havsbad. And here is why it is worth it to watch!
What is the Race of Champions about?
“ROC” or originally Race of Champions is an annual event that is considered to be one of the best races in the world. Since 1988, ROC has played in some of the world’s most prestigious venues. In 2023 it offers us the opportunity to drive over snow in Sweden. And that will be amazing, as the the event gathers together the fastest drivers from different disciplines: Le Mans, Indycar, Formula 1, WRC, DTM, Rallycross etc.
Certainly, motorsports is different in terms of different competitions. But, what do you think if we just provide all these fast drivers with equal opportunities, when setting them on four wheels and two – and let them free to battle, head-to-head, on the very same track in the very same car? It will be a battle of the limits.
Race of Champions means a lot for the drivers themselves. And the case is about ROC Nations Cup, which provides an unforgettable experience. Drivers race for their home countries with an attached flag. There is no other option than to win.
Race of Champions has regular guests, like Tom Kristensen and former F1 driver David Coulthard. Why you may ask? Well, far from championships, the racers are free from sponsorship commitments, and strive to achieve maximum performance in everything.
One thing remains the same – fans. All the event is one big action. This is because the track, where is the whole course is permanently in view. Pite Havsbad hosts the 2023 Race of Champions. Fans will see every corner, every slide, every move, every spin.
Rules and schedule
Race of Champions 2023 covers two days 28 and 29th January.
Saturday’s call will determine the “Fastest Nation” in the ROC Nations Cup. Live stream will be available 12:00 – 15:00 CET.
Sunday’s chalet will determine the fastest “Champion of Champions”. Live stream has scheduled for same 12:00 – 15:00 CET.
The racers compete against each other within their group. Vehicles are changed around between heats. The top four drivers advance to the quarter-finals. It’s going to be head-to-head battles.
In this 2023 ROC there are four vehicles: two electric cars and two powered by biofuel.
The ROC Nations Cup
The ROC Nations Cup aims to determine the fastest nation.
Thus, drivers team up with their fellow countrymen in pairs. Each driver initially has one race against a driver from the opposing team, competing head-to-head in identical cars as in the individual Race of Champions. If the score is tied at 1-1, the two winning drivers battle it out in a playoff to see which team emerges victorious.
Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher represented Germany at the ROC Nations Cup in Bangok in 2012, winning a record sixth straight title.
Race of Champions 2023 participants
Entry list is represented by stars from very different motorsport disciplines:
Formula 1
Former and current F1 drivers are ready to race. The deal includes Sebastian Vettel, Mick Schumacher, and Valtteri Bottas. Former F1 drivers Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard will also show off their racing abilities.
FIA World Rally Championship
WRC nine-time world champion Sebastien Loeb takes place with 2022 FIA ETCR Champion Adrien Tambay to represent France at the ROC Nations Cup. Thierry Neuville and Oliver Solberg are also FIA WRC drivers. Oliver’s father, two-time RallyCross champion Petter Solberg is also on the list.
World Rallycross
Five-time World Rallycross champion Johan Kristofferson will defend Sweden in the ROC Nations Cup with two-time DTM champion Mattias Ekström.
Furthermore, many famous names have been announced. Nine-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen, three-time W Series Champion Jamie Chadwick, Formula 2 driver Felipe Drugovich, and six-time American Rally Champion Travis Pastrana will compete in the Race of Champions in 2023.
You can check full entry list on ROC official.
You can watch the Race of Champions 2023 on YouTube.
Leave a Comment