392 replies to this topic

[smr]

Couldn't find a thread for this and with it being two weeks away, and having bought tickets for the event I thought I'd create one.

 

The Race Of Champions is an annual end-of-season contest which has been held for over 25 years. It brings together the world’s greatest drivers from motor sport’s major disciplines – including Formula 1, World Rally, Le Mans, MotoGP, Nascar, IndyCar and the X-Games – and sets them free to battle head-to-head in identical machinery.

In recent years ROC has visited the Stade de France in Paris (2004-2006), London’s Wembley Stadium (2007-2008), the ‘Bird’s Nest’ Olympic Stadium in Beijing (2009), Düsseldorf’s Esprit Arena (2010-2011), the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok (2012) and Bushy Park Barbados (2014). Now the event is returning to its European roots once more at the Stadium.

 

Saturday 21st November 2015 - Race of Champions

 

 

Drivers already announced for the 2015 Race Of Champions:

• Sebastian VETTEL, four-time Formula 1 World Champion
• Tom KRISTENSEN, nine-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner
• Petter SOLBERG, World Rallycross Champion 2014, World Rally Champion 2003
• David COULTHARD, reigning ROC Champion of Champions
• Mick DOOHAN, five-time 500cc MotoGP World Champion
• Daniel RICCIARDO, three-time Formula 1 grand prix winner
• Jorge LORENZO, three-time MotoGP World Champion
• Nico HÜLKENBERG, F1 star and 2015 Le Mans 24 Hours winner
• Jenson BUTTON, 2009 Formula 1 World Champion
• Jason Plato (BTCC)
• Ryan Hunter-Reay (IndyCar)
• Romain Grosjean
• Felipe Massa
• Nelson Piquet Jr (Formula E)
• Alex Buncombe (BES)
• Susie Wolff (Ex Williams Practice Driver) (Toto Wolff's better half)

I have one query if anyone could answer it  - Would it be a good or bad idea to take my 4 and a half year old son with us ? Event starts at 2pm and finishes around 6pm so about 4 hours but it will be in the Olympic park and cold I'm guessing at the end of November. Just don't want him to get irritable or fractious.

Edited by smr, 09 November 2015 - 15:16.

[JHSingo]

• Jorge LORENZO, triple MotoGP World Champion

 

Fixed.

 

Few other names that aren't on that list, but are confirmed: Jason Plato (BTCC), Ryan Hunter-Reay (IndyCar), Romain Grosjean, Felipe Massa, Nelson Piquet Jr (Formula E), Alex Buncombe (BES) and Susie Wolff.

 

As gimmicky as this is, I always enjoy this event. It's funny how much people will read into it if a lesser known guy causes an upset. Kinda like the F1 lap times on Top Gear.

 

But it would be cool if there was a bit more variety in the driver line up. Must be the most amount of active F1 drivers they've ever had competing.

[BRG]

I have one query if anyone could answer it  - Would it be a good or bad idea to take my 4 and a half year old son with us ? Event starts at 2pm and finishes around 6pm so about 4 hours but it will be in the Olympic park and cold I'm guessing at the end of November. Just don't want him to get irritable or fractious.

My friends and I were due to go to Wembley for the ROC a few years back,, I was sick and didn't go, but they said it was so cold that the brass monkeys were complaining.  And Stratford will be colder than Wembley.  Unless it is warm, of course - who knows about the British weather?

[jonpollak]

 

Just don't want him to get irritable or fractious.

Why not...?

You don't want him growing up as a mollycoddled,bedroom ridden,non ambitious child do you?

 

Jp

[Volcano70]

There was no 2013 event?

[Marklar]

There was no 2013 event?

was cancelled

[TurnOffTheLights]

 

I have one query if anyone could answer it  - Would it be a good or bad idea to take my 4 and a half year old son with us ? Event starts at 2pm and finishes around 6pm so about 4 hours but it will be in the Olympic park and cold I'm guessing at the end of November. Just don't want him to get irritable or fractious.

 

Have been to the 2007 event in London. It was frickin' cold, indeed. Around 4 or 5 degrees that feel like frost while you're sitting, we've bundled ourselves in hats and scarves. Although I still enjoyed the show (and the first ever Vettel + Schumacher victory), I guess it would become pretty boring for a 4 years old after only half an hour. Add to that the probably cold weather and I'd recommend you to not take him with you at this age.

Edited by TurnOffTheLights, 09 November 2015 - 10:54.

[Marklar]

Mercedes is also doing its own Race of champion like event on 12th december (no idea if there will be any coverage). Besides Hamilton, Rosberg and their 8 DTM drivers six additional drivers will take part which can be voted here

http://starsandcars....edes.me/en/home



Found it worth mentionable

[Murdoch]

 

I have one query if anyone could answer it  - Would it be a good or bad idea to take my 4 and a half year old son with us ? Event starts at 2pm and finishes around 6pm so about 4 hours but it will be in the Olympic park and cold I'm guessing at the end of November. Just don't want him to get irritable or fractious.

 

Erm I'm taking my 4 year old and 2.5 year old....

 

Wish me luck    

[smr]

Erm I'm taking my 4 year old and 2.5 year old....

 

Wish me luck    

 

Top man, I will too then!

[Marklar]

Wehrlein and Palmer will take part in this years Race of Champions and will make a team ("Young Stars")

 

http://en.f1i.com/ne...-champions.html

[Jordan44]

Sky Sports F1 times can be seen here: http://e0.365dm.com/...?20151013171223 (Will also be on Motors TV). I believe there is also an F1 show live from the olympic stadium on the Friday.

[WilliamsF1Fan]

I think one good thing is the 2007 one I went to was in December so deeper into winter, whereas this one is a bit earlier so it might be a bit milder as I can also say that it was bitterly cold sitting in Wembley Stadium watching the Race of Champions!  Don't think I've been so cold at a sporting event apart from one time I went to watch Barnet FC play a match on New Year's Day.  My one main memory of the day is just pure coldness!  It was  a fun day though and they had a few extra cars go round which was a bonus!

[Marklar]

Allstars: Grosjean, Lorenzo

Young Stars: Palmer, Wehrlein

England 1: Plato, TBA

Brazil: Piquet jr, Massa

Nordic: Kristensen, Sollberg

Americas: Hunter-Reay, TBA

Australia: Ricciardo, Doohan

Germany: Vettel, Hulkenberg

England 2: Button, Buncombe

Scotland: Wolff, Coulthard

 

Schedule can be found here (a great battle already in the quarter finals)

 

http://www.raceofcha...-in-equal-cars/

[ButtonForEver]

"Team Nordic", "Team Germany", "Team England 2" will be 3 of 4 semifinalists..

Edited by ButtonForEver, 10 November 2015 - 15:34.

[dweller23]

It is a truly great event, where champions like Susie Wolff can show how their skill compares with other champions.

[Marklar]

Andy Priaulx and Jose Maria Lopez completing RoC line-up

 

Allstars: Grosjean, Lorenzo

Young Stars: Palmer, Wehrlein

England 1: Plato, Priaulx

Brazil: Piquet jr, Massa

Nordic: Kristensen, Sollberg

Americas: Hunter-Reay, Lopez

Australia: Ricciardo, Doohan

Germany: Vettel, Hulkenberg

England 2: Button, Buncombe

Scotland: Wolff, Coulthard

[WhiteSGPlayer]

England 2 might be my favourite team in anything ever

[JHSingo]

Have to say, it is looking a pretty tasty line up. Also, I can't remember there ever being this number of drivers confirmed, although I could be mistaken. Will all of them be taking part in the individual event as well?

[jjcale]

Mercedes is also doing its own Race of champion like event on 12th december (no idea if there will be any coverage). Besides Hamilton, Rosberg and their 8 DTM drivers six additional drivers will take part which can be voted here

http://starsandcars....edes.me/en/home



Found it worth mentionable

 

 

Lets vote for Lauda!!

[Exb]

The draw for Saturday has been made:

 

Round 1

Jose Maria Lopez v Ryan Hunter-Reay (Match A)

Pascal Wehrlein v Andy Priaulx (Match B)

Mick Doohan v Jorge Lorenzo (Match C)

Alex Buncombe v Jolyon Palmer (Match D)

 

Quarter Finals

Sebastian Vettel v Petter Solberg

Daniel Ricciardo v Nico Hulkenberg

Jenson Button v Felipe Massa

David Coulthard v Susie Wolff

Tom Kristensen v Nelson Piquet Jr

Romain Grosjean v Jason Plato

Winner Match A (Lopez/Hunter-Reay) v Winner Match B (Wehrlein/Priaulx)

Winner Match C (Doohan/Lorenzo) v Winner Match D (Buncombe/Palmer)

 

Fridays Team Event:

Round 1

Team All Stars v Team Young Stars (Match A)
Romain Grosjean v Pascal Wehrlein
Jorge Lorenzo v Jolyon Palmer

 

Team England 1 v Team Brazil (Match B)
Andy Priaulx v Nelson Piquet Jr
Jason Plato v Felipe Massa

 

Quarter Finals

Team Nordic v Team Americas
Tom Kristensen v Jose Maria Lopez
Petter Solberg v Ryan Hunter-Reay

 

Team Australia v Team Germany
Daniel Ricciardo v Sebastian Vettel
Mick Doohan v Nico Hulkenberg

 

Team England 2 v Team Scotland
Alex Buncombe v Susie Wolff
Jenson Button v David Coulthard

 

Winner Match A v Winner Match B
Grosjean/Wehrlein v Priaulx/Piquet Jr
Lorenzo/Palmer v Plato/Massa

Edited by Exb, 17 November 2015 - 18:08.

[RPM40]

I'm probably more excited for this than the Abu Dhabi GP. Excellent lineup.

[Rinehart]

Regarding the timetable for Saturday, anyone know what time the quarter finals are due to start (I think the 1st round starts at 2pm)?

I can't get there for 2pm but wanna be there for Massa v JB if poss! 

Thanks in advance...

[TurnOffTheLights]

 

Regarding the timetable for Saturday, anyone know what time the quarter finals are due to start (I think the 1st round starts at 2pm)?

I can't get there for 2pm but wanna be there for Massa v JB if poss! 

Thanks in advance...

 

According to the event schedule http://www.raceofcha...event-schedule/ the Race of Champions starts at 3 pm and ends at 5.30. So Massa vs. Button should be between 3.00-3.45, if they keep the schedule.

[Rinehart]

According to the event schedule http://www.raceofcha...event-schedule/ the Race of Champions starts at 3 pm and ends at 5.30. So Massa vs. Button should be between 3.00-3.45, if they keep the schedule.

Nice one, thanks TOTL! 

[smr]

My tickets have arrived, w00t

[Myrvold]

No more side by side either, slightly boring cars in it as well.

Not overly enthusiastic for this.

[AlexLangheck]

Gran Canaria was the best place for it..... But I suppose it's all in the name of progress. Hardly any rally drivers though......

[chunder27]

Err

 

Have you seen the ticket prices...

 

Jesus H Christ!

[zanquis]

I really wished they would have invited Max Verstappen and Robin Frijns. That would be a awesome Dutch team. Both have enough titles to justify the title Champion anyway. Some others who got invited have a lesser resume.

[TomNokoe]

Tickets for Saturday

[johnwilliamdavies]

I really wished they would have invited Max Verstappen and Robin Frijns. That would be a awesome Dutch team. Both have enough titles to justify the title Champion anyway. Some others who got invited have a lesser resume.

Or they could have invited Verstappen and Vandoorne as the awesomer Belgian team.

[geordiecraig101]

I might be tempted to go on the saturday, does anyone know if tickets are sold on the day? cheers

[zanquis]

Or they could have invited Verstappen and Vandoorne as the awesomer Belgian team.

 

Well they would be the real young stars team, when people think of a young star only a few think of Joylon Palmer... 

[Exb]

All the drivers will compete in a kart race to end the event on Saturday. 2 heats and the top 10 will go through to the final. Should be a fun finale

 

I'm looking forward to it despite the fact it means I have to venture down to London for the 2nd time this year (and I hate London)  (the things I do for my strange motorsport obsession, the other trip was the FormulaE race  )

[Lights]

I read something about a different track. Anyone have a picture/overlay of this? Can't find it anywhere on their website.

[JHSingo]

Apparently there's going to be a kart race after the main event on Saturday. I bet it'll feature more excitement than the entirety of this F1 season! Danger of some egos being bruised for sure.

 

http://www.raceofcha...e-of-champions/

 

I wish we got to see professional racers in karts more often. Reminds me of the event they had at Paris a few years ago, that was very entertaining to watch.

 

[johnwilliamdavies]

The current local forecast for Saturday is 6 degrees maximum, with rain, and possibly snow.

 

[Anja]

Bad weather this time of the year? Who would have thought...

[JHSingo]

Lorenzo forced to withdraw after sustaining second degree burns while celebrating in Mallorca...

 

http://www.raceofcha...-jorge-lorenzo/

 

Replaced by Sir Chris Hoy for Friday's event, and someone you'll probably never have heard of for Saturday.

 

https://twitter.com/...331294305632256

[Exb]

I read something about a different track. Anyone have a picture/overlay of this? Can't find it anywhere on their website.

https://mobile.twitt...71198609409?p=v

[Myrvold]

Lorenzo forced to withdraw after sustaining second degree burns while celebrating in Mallorca...

 

Hah, ye, riiiight.

[smr]

[Frood]

Lorenzo forced to withdraw after sustaining second degree burns while celebrating in Mallorca...

 

http://www.raceofcha...-jorge-lorenzo/

 

Replaced by Sir Chris Hoy for Friday's event, and someone you'll probably never have heard of for Saturday.

 

https://twitter.com/...331294305632256

 

Shame, I was looking forward to seeing what Jorge could do.

 

I've raced against Brad Philpot on rFactor, nice guy. Will be strange to see someone I've personally "raced" against (and beaten  ) on TV though!

[jonpollak]

For those of us in Estados Unidos there IS live coverage on something called Motor Trend LIVE...

 

http://www.motortren...com/watch-live/

 

Jp

[zanquis]

Am curious if certain drivers turned down invites or did the organization really think these are the most interesting drivers to invite?

[Gilles4Ever]

Chris Medland ‏@ChrisMedlandF1  9m9 minutes ago

Most drivers went for a PR line, but @PWehrlein said he'd like to go up against Vettel when asked who he wants to face at @RaceOfChampions

[Marklar]

Am curious if certain drivers turned down invites or did the organization really think these are the most interesting drivers to invite?

There was a rumour in the summer that they wish to have Button, Vettel and Hamilton, so at least one driver turned down, potentually evdn more I guess.

[Jonnycraig37]

There was a rumour in the summer that they wish to have Button, Vettel and Hamilton, so at least one driver turned down, potentually evdn more I guess.

ROC have been trying to get Hamilton to turn up for years. Despite being 'immensely confident in my own abilities', he refuses to take part...

[Myrvold]

ROC have been trying to get Hamilton to turn up for years. Despite being 'immensely confident in my own abilities', he refuses to take part...

Hamilton cares about F1 and the Rich Life. RoC doesn't fit in ;-)