Hirvonen enters Race of Champions

The 10-time rally winner, who leads Sebastien Loeb by three points heading into this weekend's Rally Australia, joins the likes of Michael Schumacher, Jenson Button and Sebastian Vettel in entering the end of season event.

Hirvonen, who will drive for Team Finland at the Race of Champions, said: "It's a pleasure to be invited to the Race of Champions in Beijing this year. I've never competed at the event before, only watched it as a spectator and so it will be interesting to see how it works and to drive the different cars.

"I'm also looking forward to visiting the famous Bird's Nest Stadium - it looked like a spectacular venue when I watched the Olympics. I was in Beijing two years ago and I can't wait to go back there. It's a fantastic city and the Chinese people are really friendly and enthusiastic about the World Rally Championship, so I'm sure they'll all come and see us racing inside their stadium."

Race of Champions boss Fredrik Johnsson added: "Mikko has been driving brilliantly this year - he's been having a fantastic battle with Loeb, who won the Race of Champions last year. I'm sure he'll get used to the format very quickly and prove a tough man to beat, and his driving style will be a big hit with the crowds."