Red Bull Racing’s David Coulthard and Honda’s Jenson Button are looking to finish 2007 with some silverware from tomorrow’s Race of Champions following a win less Formula One season.
The British duo will join 14 other drivers at Wembley Stadium to fight it out for the ‘Champion of Champions’ title around the temporary parallel race track.
Thirty-six-year-old Coulthard admits it’s going to be tough.
“It’s early days. I’ve only just arrived but it’s always a good atmosphere back stage. It’s probably the event of the year because I might even have a chance of winning this one,” said Coulthard.
“I think all the single-seater drivers will say that we’re used to driving a very fixed line and don’t slide a great deal. I think I’ve seen progression over the last few years in this event.
“The first year I was really shaky but my team-mate Colin (McRae) helped me to get more comfortable with sliding the car. I’ll be picking Alister’s (McRae) brain about it this year!”
Race of Champions debutant Jenson Button is looking forward to his first taste of the competition.
“I’m slightly nervous but also looking forward to it. There’s some great cars out there. Some of these guys have practiced this morning so I’m trying to get the low down,” said Button.
“It sounds slippery! The rally cars are probably the most exciting. WRC is one of the reasons I’m here so hopefully I’ll get a go.
“I have to say that I’ll be taking it easy tomorrow; having a bit of fun and if I’m quick I’ll probably take it a bit more seriously!
“When we put our helmets on it’s about the show. Being able to perform in Wembley is a dream; hopefully it will be for more than just a couple of minutes! We’re all pretty excited about the weekend,” said Button.
Seven times Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher makes a return to the competition after competing in the 2005 event. McLaren new-boy Heikki Kovalainen and Scuderia Toro Rosso duo Sebastian Vettel and Sébastien Bourdais complete the Formula One presence at the event.
The Race of Champions Nation Cup begins at 14:00GMT tomorrow with the individual competition starting at 17:00GMT.
Lawrence Barretto
