Schuey excited about Paris show

The Ferrari ace, who joins a host of other stars including rally champion Sebastien Loeb, and fellow F1 drivers David Coulthard and Felipe Massa, is relishing the prospect of fun but fraught head-to-head racing.

"The thing I like about the Race of Champions is the competition itself: fair and straightforward," said Schumacher. "And drivers from all kinds of series competing together and against each other is of course especially appealing. It's been said often that the rally drivers are at an advantage here, but I think we'll have to wait and see...

"I'm sure the others will be just as motivated as I am, even though I haven't been able to practice especially for this event and it's basically all about having fun here - driving a race always means wanting to do my best for me.

"I know that a lot of people are saying the event will show who the ultimate best driver is, but to be honest: I don't think so. It's too much of a show event for that. It's all about fun, and it's first and foremost about entertaining the crowd at the Stade de France.

"Anyway, I'm really looking forward to seeing my team-mate Armin Schwarz and all the other guys, because we don't get the chance to see each other very often. That's just one reason I'll be having a lot of fun. All you have to do is take a look at the list of participants: they're all great drivers, big rivals, what could be better? Sure, the competition will be tough - but that's what it's all about. I'm sure it will be a wonderfully thrilling event."

The individual race of champions event get under way at 1630 European time, while the ROC Nations Cup begins at 1900. Autosport.com will keep you fully up-to-date with the latest action from the Stade de France.