Schwarz, Schneider join RoC line-up

For Schwarz, the Nations Cup will be the final outing of his long career, since he has announced his intention to retire from competitive motor sport at the end of the year. Schneider will be taking part if the Race of Champions for the first time.

"Armin and I have been friends for something like twenty years now, so it will be nice to team up with him at last in the Race of Champions - Nations Cup," said Schneider. "I watched last year's event at the Stade de France on TV and it struck me as a fantastic show.

"The spectators have a first class view of the whole track and it's great to see so many top champions from across the world competing together. My fellow DTM runner Jean Alesi told me a lot about it just after last December's event and I'm looking forward to it very much."

Schwarz, who came close close to taking the Champion of Champions' crown on a number of occasions, would love to conclude his career with a victory in this year's event.

"I feel in great shape and the Stade de France is a terrific venue," he said. "The all-asphalt circuit marks a big change from the rally-style stage we used to use when the event was based in the Canary Island's.

"You have to drive differently, but with so many spectators around you, the stadium atmosphere is unique. With everyone so close to the action, it's almost like driving a race car in your living room."