Saudi Gazette report
Riyadh — The countdown has started for the prestigious annual auto racing event in Riyadh: The Race of Champions.
In partnership with the General Sports Authority, the two-day event will be held at King Fahd International Stadium on Feb. 2-3.
Saudi Arabia will become the 10th country to host the end-of-season, head-to-head racing extravaganza when Race of Champions travels to the Middle East for the first time in its 30-year history.
The draw for Race of Champions has thrown up some intriguing encounters between some of the world’s greatest drivers. Three Indianapolis 500 winners — Juan Pablo Montoya, Helio Castroneves and Ryan Hunter-Reay — have been drawn together in the same group.
‘Mr Le Mans’ Tom Kristensen will race this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours winner Timo Bernhard and Formula 1 great David Coulthard.
Saudi Arabian hopeful Yazeed Al-Rajhi will take on FIA World Rallycross Champions Petter Solberg and reigning IndyCar champion Josef Newgarden.
ROC will once again unite superstar drivers from across the world of motorsport for a final, winner-takes-all showdown in celebration of the 2017 season.
The likes of Formula 1, Le Mans, IndyCar and Rallycross will all be represented in ROC’s unique head-to-head competition to determine the next Champion of Champions.
The Race of Champions will be a family event, open to both genders and feature drivers, exhibitions and activities all suitable for the Kingdom’s specific cultural requirements.
“With women able to drive in Saudi Arabia from 2018, we feel this is an auspicious moment to be bringing a motorsport event to Riyadh. Race of Champions is more than just a race: it is a truly global contest that includes many of the world’s best drivers along with top-quality entertainment for families,” said Fredrik Johnsson, Race of Champions President.