Sebastian Vettel confirmed for 2017 Race of Champions in Miami

Ferrari driver crowned champion of champions in London last year

By William Esler

Sebastian Vettel will defend his Race of Champions crown when the event makes its United States debut in 2017.

The Ferrari driver won the annual event - which pits stars from a variety of different motorsport disciplines, including F1, rally, touring cars and MotoGP, in identical cars - when it was staged at London's Olympic Stadium last year.

Miami's Marlins Park baseball stadium will be the venue for the next Race of Champions on 21 and 22 January 2017.

"I'm very happy to have finally won the individual Race of Champions title last year in London's Olympic Stadium and I look forward to defending my title at ROC in Miami," Vettel said.

F1 driver Sebastian Vettel was crowned the Champion of Champions at the ROC after beating Le Mans legend Tom Kristensen

"All the drivers are strong, and the top US drivers from NASCAR and IndyCar will certainly be extra motivated to win in front of their home fans now that the event is being held in their country for the first time.

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"This will also be the first time ROC has been held in a baseball stadium so I'm curious to discover the new track layout. But as always it's the same track and identical cars for everyone so only driver skill makes the difference.

"The racing at ROC is always very intense and the head-to-head duels often decided by fractions of a second, so it's just one strategy; flat out from start to finish!

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Image: Sebastian Vettel crosses the line at Race of Champions in the Olympic Stadium

"The Race of Champions reminds us a lot about why we all first started racing; it's about pure competition. The competition is very intense on the track and everyone wants to win, but it's also about putting on a great show for the fans.

"I think all the drivers who have had the honour to participate in ROC fell in love with the event. It's a privilege to be invited and to be able to come back."

For American fans NASCAR's Kurt Busch and IndyCar's Ryan Hunter-Reay have also been confirmed for the event, with more drivers to be announced.

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