Grapevine: Massa confirmed for RoC

Massa took part in the event at the Stade de France in Paris last year and has had no hesitation in agreeing to compete again.

"I am very happy and proud to represent Brazil in the Race of Champions," he said. "After having finished the F1 season on a high, I am looking forward to defending our colours alongside Nelsinho against some of the best drivers in the world and, above all, to providing the best show possible for the fans who deserve a great race."

Piquet added: "I am really looking forward to December's Race of Champions. I will be making up a young Brazilian team together with Felipe Massa and I am really keen to do well. I have never driven any special cars like this before so it will be a new experience.

"There are a lot of great drivers who have taken part in the past, and it will be great to compete against some of them this year."

The confirmation of the Brazilian entry means that five teams have now firmed up their line-ups.

Great Britain will be represented by David Coulthard and Colin McRae, Finland by Marcus Gronholm and last year's winner Heikki Kovalainen, France by Jean Alesi and Sebastien Loeb and the United States by Jeff Gordon and X-games competitor Travis Pastrana.