Volkswagen Group is New Partner for Race of Champions

Posted: 08 Nov 2010 05:26 AM PST

Volkswagen Group is New Partner for Race of Champions, Audi R8 LMS

The Volkswagen Group is a new vehicle partner for the Race of Champions in Düsseldorf with the three brands Audi, Porsche and Volkswagen. Formula-1 idols Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel, motorcycle ace Mick Doohan, Le Mans champion and record holder Tom Kristensen and many other motorsport legends will compete on a unique circuit course in the domed soccer arena on 27 and 28 November. The Volkswagen Group will be supplying some fascinating race machines for the exciting car duels: the Audi R8 LMS, the Porsche 911 GT3 and the Scirocco R-Cup.

For over two decades, the Race of Champions has been rated one of the most renowned motorsport events ever, and it enjoys international attention. Only the crème de la crème from circuit, rally and motorcycle racing are invited to the spectacular trial of strength, which is held in tournament mode with direct knockout duels and identical vehicles. The motorsport aces will likely enjoy the race vehicles from the Volkswagen Group as much as the many fans will in the arena: The Audi R8 serves up 525 PS, a centre engine and rear-wheel drive, while the Porsche 911 GT3 has a 450 PS rear engine and the Scirocco R-Cup transfers up to 275 PS to its front wheels with a bio natural gas drive system.

In this second German edition of the Race of Champions after 1989, the international motorsport elite will be there at the start. Joining in the competition are such stars as Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel and Alain Prost (Formula 1), Sébastien Loeb (world rally champion), Mick Doohan (World Motorcycle Champion), Tom Kristensen (24 hours of Le Mans), Andy Priaulx (world touring car champion), Carl Edwards (NASCAR) as well as Travis Pastrana (motocross). On the programme for Saturday evening is the “Nations Cup,” which Vettel and Schumacher have won for Germany over the past three years. On Sunday, the best of the best will be crowned in the Race of Champions – without title defender Mattias Ekström this year, since Audi factory drivers will be racing in the season finale of the DTM in Shanghai at the same time.