Schu for Race of Champions

The ground-breaking deal comes as the rally-based event moves to France's leading sporting arena, the Stade de France, near Paris, from its traditional Canary Islands venue.

It is entirely possible that the Race of Champions could pitch the potential world champions from all three major motorsport disciplines (if Moto GP Valentino Rossi agrees to return) for the first time in international motorsport competition history.

The event will take place on the evening of December 4 and inside the 1998 World Cup final venue will be built a one kilometre, figure-of-eight parallel track.

It's not unusual for superstars outside of rallying to take part in the unique head-to-head format, that is not unlike a WRC Superspecial Stage, but never before have they secured the presence of a reigning F1 world champion - which Schumacher is sure to become following his 11th victory of 2004 in Germany last weekend.

"I am really looking forward to the Race of Champions," said Schumacher. "I have seen it on TV before and it looks a lot of fun."

ROC promoter and former world rally star Michele Mouton confirmed the news: "We are thrilled that Michael Schumacher has accepted our invitation to compete. The world's most talented rally drivers will not want to be beaten by a circuit racer, even if he is a six-times world champion."

The ROC always boasts a glittering line-up with stars happy to join in the end-of-year playtime atmosphere the event generates. Former World Rally Champions to have taken part previously include Juha Kankunnen, Carlos Sainz, Stig Blomqvist, Colin McRae and Marcus Gronholm. But F1 stars have been enticed before as well including Fernando Alonso, Cristiano da Matta, Olivier Panis and Nick Heidfeld. Even NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon tried his hand two years ago while Moto GP great Rossi loved it when he took part last year.