Tin-top racing superstar Andy Priaulx MBE is the latest driver to sign up for the 2011 Race of Champions event, marking his sixth consecutive ROC appearance. The end of season extravaganza, this year taking place in Dusseldorf on December 3-4, will see Priaulx partner fellow Guernsey resident Jenson Button for Team GB.
Triple World Touring Car Champion Priaulx, who switched to endurance racing this year before leading BMW's arrival in the DTM next season, is the fifth driver to be confirmed for the annual end of season event, joining Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, Mattias Ekstrom and Button.
Priaulx has a successful history in the ROC events, reaching the individual semi-finals three times and making the Nations Cup final for Team GB in both the last two years, doing so in 2009 alongside Button. On both occasions Priaulx was beaten by Team Germany's Schumacher and Vettel, so this year returns with Button looking for revenge.
Priaulx said: “It is always fun to take part in the Race Of Champions and this year is no exception. The atmosphere in the stadium is special and the racing is intense and competitive. After three individual semi-finals it would also be good to make it a step further in December. I really enjoyed fighting Michael and Sebastian on their home turf last year, along with so many other big names. We were just pipped in the ROC Nations Cup final but hopefully Jenson and I can finally do the business this year.”
Button commented: “I let Andy down by missing last year: he's a fellow Guernsey boy though he's obviously a native whereas I'm not. Andy is so quick at the Race Of Champions, hopefully I can help him along to victory as it would be nice to beat the Germans in their backyard. Andy, Sebastian, Michael and myself have all won world championships but of course it's not just about us four. It's a real mix of talent and there are great challengers from all round the world.”
Race organiser Fredrik Johnsson said: “We're happy that Andy is coming back to the Race Of Champions. He is always blisteringly quick round the ROC stadium and he is overdue a victory – either in the individual event or alongside Jenson for Team GB, or should that be Team Guernsey…”
