Eleven time Formula One Grand Prix winner, Felipe Massa has been announced as the newest driver to compete in the Race of Champions. With the Brazilian announcing his retirement at the end of the 2016 season and no further plans for 2017 lined up, the ROC will likely be his last competitive event.
In a career that has seen him race for Sauber F1 Team, famously Scuderia Ferrari and more recently Williams Martini Racing, Massa has had a F1 career spanning fourteen seasons.
He’s no rookie to the Race of Champions either, having competed in 2015 as well as in 2005 and 2004. He was partnered alongside Tony Kanaan for his debut appearance and will once again pair with the Indycar legend in his final outing for Team Brazil.
“It’s a fantastic pleasure for me to participate in the Race Of Champions for another year. The event is a big challenge and it’s a great idea to have a race with the best drivers from all the different motor sport categories.” started Massa.
“I look forward to meeting up with my old friend and fellow countryman Tony Kanaan. In 2004 in Paris we made up a very good combination: he beat Sébastien Loeb and I beat Michael Schumacher until we were both given penalties for touching the guard rails too much…
“The atmosphere is special at the Race Of Champions too: you’re in the middle of the grandstands so you can hear all the fans and they can see all the corners. It’s a great feeling and great enjoyment for everyone.”
Massa will be joined by fellow F1 driver, Sebastian Vettel, at the event that will take place in Marlins Park Baseball Stadium in January.
ROC president Fredrik Johnsson commented, saying: “We are thrilled that Felipe will be joining us at the Race Of Champions in Miami. He has raced at the highest level for over 15 years and he deserves to revel in his last few grands prix ahead of his Formula 1 retirement later this year.
“During his time in F1 he has built up a fan base all over the world and now we hope to see many of his fans at Marlins Park in January to give him a worthy send-off. He will doubtless be keen to show he still has the pace to take on the best.”