DC and McRae sign up for ROC

Newly-crowned seven-time F1 world champion Michael Schumacher and WRC points leader Sebastian Loeb have already been confirmed for the star-studded show, which pitches drivers and motorcycle riders from all disciplines head-to-head in equal cars.

McRae is a former Champion of Champions at the event while Coulthard will be making his debut. Together they will be supported by Britain's top motorsport magazine to form Autosport Team GB.

"Having watched the event with interest for many years," Coulthard said, "I am very much looking forward to competing against the entry of World class contenders."

McRae added: "This is going to be a even more competitive year than usual for the Race of Champions. The Stade de France should be amazing. This year will be quite different so that will make it a more level playing field than before. It is not really racing and not really rallying. So, unlike previously, the WRC drivers won't necessarily be at an advantage.

"There's a lot of high-profile drivers, the new venue and a new surface. Luckily, being a rally driver, I am used to adapting to changing conditions. DC is great driver, so I am hoping we will be up there. Personally I am hoping to be one of the few drivers to beat Michael this year and certainly the first from outside F1!"

Sweden's DTM Champion Mattias Ekstrom has also been confirmed for the event. It is likely he will be joined on the Swedish team by Indy 500 winner Kenny Brack.

"If I have Kenny with me I am confident Sweden will have a chance of winning the Nations Cup," Ekstrom said. "But the competition will be fierce. I am looking forward to competing against the likes of Colin McRae and Sebastien Loeb. This is going to be an amazing year for the Race of Champions. I am so excited to be part of it."

Michael Schumacher will be joined in the German team by WRC stalwart Armin Schwarz, while Loeb will captain the French team.