Preview: Race of Champions

The Michelin Race of Champions was originally created in memory of Henri Toivonen who was killed during the Corsican Rally, while leading the 1986 World Rally Championship.

The World Rally Championship will be represented by a number of top names including: Tommi Makinen - who won his fourth consecutive title this year, Didier Auriol, new Ford-signing Carlos Sainz, Alistair McRae, Gilles Panizzi, Armin Schwarz, Freddy Loix, Francois Delecour and Markko Martin.

Drivers compete head-to-head around a figure of eight track in identical supercars for the event, which is based on the principle of knockout rounds with preliminary heats, quarter-finals, semi-finals and a final.

The Race of Champions is contested by a three cars: a Peugeot 306 Maxi, a Toyota Corolla WRC and a Mitsubishi Evo V.

The Rally of Champions Legends round will be contested by Walter Rohrl, Stig Blomqvist, Miki Biasion, Bjom Waldegard and Timo Salonen - who will be driving an Audi S1 Quattro and a Formula France 2WD.

This year's event will feature a new competition, which will see drivers from different motorsport categories representing their individual countries in three vehicles: an Autocross buggy, Formula France 2WD and 4WD.

Finland will be represented by Tommi Makinen, JJ Lehto (sportscar racing) and Kari Tiainen (bike racing). While Carlos Sainz and GP driver Marc Gene will race for Spain along with bike racer Pere Riba.

Armin Schwarz, Christian Abt and Ralf Waldman will represent Germany, with Yannick Dalmas (sportscar racing) and David Vuillemin (bikes) and Francois Delecour racing for France.

Log onto www.autosport.com for updates on the racing.