After missing out in 2022, Bottas will debut in the competition in next year’s Race of Champions competition. The Alfa Romeo F1 driver will participate both individually, and with team Finland, where he will partner two-time F1 World Champion Mika Hakkinen.
Last year, Valtteri had to pull out of contention. He was replaced by W Series racer Emma Kimilainen. The event will happen at the beginning of 2023 – 28-29 January. Once again, the venue will be Pite Hasvbad in Sweden.
Loeb won last year
It produced a fantastic show last year, which saw Sebastian Leob win the individual crown. The Nations Cup was won by the father-son Solberg duo from Team Norway.
The spectacle of Race of Champions last year included the Polaris PZR, Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport, as well as the Olsbergs MSE Supercars Lite, and RX2e specs cars – the last one being electric.
As a typical Finn, Bottas won’t be a debutant on ice and snow, since he famously uses snow rally as a type of form retainer during the winter.
Bottas is excited to work with Hakkinen
“I’m really looking forward to being able to make my Race Of Champions debut at last! I’ve watched the event on TV for many years and I came so close to competing last year until I had to pull out at the last minute,” said Bottas.
“It was tough watching everyone having so much fun throwing their cars around on the snow and ice in Sweden, so I’m glad I will now be joining them at Pite Havsbad in January.
“I’m also thrilled to be able to partner Mika Hakkinen for Team Finland in the ROC Nations Cup. I have become good friends with Mika over the years, but it will be a special treat to be able to race alongside him.”
Team Finland has two Nations Cups to its name and is looking pretty strong for a third one. Currently, there is one more present F1 driver confirmed for the 2023 roster of the competition – Sebastian Vettel, who was one individual, and seven Nations’ crowns.
