Grosjean and Ogier to partner in RoC

Lotus Formula 1 driver Romain Grosjean will partner reigning ‘champion of champions’ Sebastien Ogier in this year’s Bangkok-based Race of Champions.

Ogier beat Tom Kristensen to win the RoC final in Dusseldorf last year, on what was his first appearance in the event.

The Frenchman, recently tipped by Sebastien Loeb as one of the early favourites for the 2013 World Rally Championship, said he was eyeing further RoC glory alongside Grosjean.

“It’s a real honour to compete in the Race of Champions. I’ve followed it since it was in Gran Canaria so it was amazing to win at my first attempt last year,” he said.

“There were a lot of new cars to learn, plus the track as well, but I pushed hard all the way and I had a lot of fun out there.

“This year it will be nice to team up with Romain again and we’ll do our best to take Team France all the way this time as well. Overall it’s a good party and a great way to end the year.”

Grosjean also made his RoC debut last year, reaching the semi-final of the RoC Nations Cup alongside Ogier.

He won two of his three individual races but was knocked out on countback by Kristensen and Sebastian Vettel.

“I’m proud to be in the line-up again alongside such big names from so many different areas of motor sport,” Grosjean said.

“It’s a great show seeing these guys driving all the cars to the limit and I hope Team France can achieve something too.

“Sebastien did a fantastic job to win the individual event last year and it was a pity we were knocked out in the ROC Nations Cup semi-finals.

“We will aim to go a bit further this time but the main thing is to have fun and to put on a show for the crowds in the stadium.”

Two other Frenchmen have previously won the RoC: Sebastien Loeb and Didier Auriol.

Grosjean and Ogier join a star-studded list of racers including Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, Jorge Lorenzo and Mick Doohan for this year’s event, held at the Rajamangala Stadium on December 14-16.

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/real-world-racing/3rdparty/grosjean-and-ogier-to-partner-in-roc

Jacky Ickx Yuji Ide Jesús Iglesias Taki Inoue Innes Ireland