Another edition in Oceania, but not in Australia
For the first time in the history of the competition, the Race of Champions will take place in New Zealand, with the motorsport elite battling it out on January 9 and 10, 2027 at Hnry Stadium in Wellington. Inside the stadium, the drivers will face off head-to-head in identical cars on a fully asphalted circuit, where the winner will be the one who demonstrates the greatest skill.
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The ‘big names’ among the participants
Among the big stars of the ROC (Race of Champions) 2027 will be four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel, along with another Circus driver Valtteri Bottas and home favorite Hayden Paddon, who recently finished 2nd in the Paraguay Rally in WRC: “Before the ROC in Sydney I made a first, brief visit to New Zealand and was struck by the beauty of the country – commented Vettel, who boasts the ROC ‘Champions of Champions’ win in 2015 and seven victories in the ROC Nations Cup – so, jokingly, I asked the organizers if they could bring the next edition of the ROC right there. I can’t wait to race against many other champions from around the world at the Race Of Champions in Wellington in January, and to have the opportunity to discover New Zealand better.”
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Also Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac driver, is eager to participate in the new edition: “The Race of Champions is a really special and exciting event, and I’m very happy it’s back on the schedule. I can’t wait to race in Wellington, New Zealand, alongside drivers from different categories: competing on the same track and behind the wheel of different cars makes the ROC a truly engaging event for the audience. The ROC in New Zealand will offer another thrilling race, with a great atmosphere both for us drivers and the fans. Personally, I also find it fantastic to be able to drive during the off-season, and there’s no better place to do it than the ROC; so, I’m looking forward to January!”
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