Quote:http://www.eurosport.com/motorsports/rac...0382.shtml

This year’s Race of Champions will feature a much improved course, with extra corners added and speeds set to increase to over 85 miles per hour.

The race, which pits drivers from every area of motorsport against each other, will be held at the Stade de France in Paris for the third year in succession and will have it'squos track length increased to 1.2 kilometres (0.75 miles).

Fredrik Johnsson, president of event organisers IMP, said: "With two years' experience at the Stade de France behind us, we have sought to optimise the full length of the stadium, as well as the space available for the infield and the positioning of the crossover bridge.

"In doing so, we have enhanced the notion of speed, both for the drivers and the spectators. I believe the racing this year will be more spectacular then ever."

Among the top-quality drivers already confirmed for the event are triple world rally champion Sebastien Loeb, who won in Paris last year, and another former WRC title winner Colin McRae.

Formula One stars Jenson Button and David Coulthard will also compete, as will seven-time Le Mans 24-hours winner Tom Kristensen and his DTM team-mate Mattias Ekstrom.

Event co-organiser Michele Mouton – a WRC rally winner in the 1980s - has helped design the lay-out after driving on a series of courses marked out with cones on a disused airfield.

She said: "This year, the circuit will be set up around a fortnight ahead of the event but we still need five days to erect it so the track will be available for corporate events during 10 days. Merely laying down the track is a feat in itself.

"Following the testing we have carried out, a surveyor took extremely precise measurements to facilitate the construction work at the Stade de France."

The race will take place on 16 December, just six days after the French Rugby Union team face Argentina in the same venue.

Eurosport TV and eurosport.com will have LIVE and exclusive coverage of the Race of Champions. Log on to find out the latest big names added to the entry list.

Eurosport - Jamie O'Leary - 03/11/2006 15:30