Motorsport royalty will visit Wellington next year with Race of Champions in what will be the inaugural event held in New Zealand.
Four-time Formula 1 Champion Sebastian Vettel and F1 driver for Cadillac Valtteri Bottas are among the confirmed drivers, with Kiwi rally star Hayden Paddon also set to take part in the race.
Hnry Stadium will host the event on January 9 and 10, 2027, where a tarmac circuit will be constructed inside the 'Cake Tin'.
Vettel revealed he was excited to return to New Zealand, saying he encouraged the organisers to bring the event to the country.
"Before ROC Sydney I went for a first quick visit to New Zealand and was blown away by the beauty of the country, so I told the organisers jokingly can you pls bring the next ROC to New Zealand," he said.
"I am really looking forward to competing against so many other Champions from across the globe at the Race Of Champions in Wellington in January and get a chance to visit more of New Zealand.”
Paddon said it is a huge honour to be a part of Race of Champions in his home country.
“It’s amazing to see one of the world’s most spectacular motorsport events come to New Zealand for the first time ever," he said.
"New Zealand is really in a golden age of Motorsport at the moment across so many disciplines and I can’t think of a more fitting celebration of this than Hosting the Race Of Champions that attracts so many of the biggest stars from all around the world.
"It’s really a historic event for so many reasons and I’m personally incredibly proud to be a part of it.”
More drivers are yet to be announced, including Paddon's teammate for New Zealand.
Liam Lawson, NASCAR's Shane van Gisbergen and Indycar's Scott Dixon and Scott McLaughlin are among the driver options hoped to race alongside Paddon.
Construction of the circuit will begin immediately following Wellington Phoenix's A-League match against Newcastle Jets on January 2.
Tourism and hospitality minister Louise Upston said the Race of Champions will put Wellington on the map for racing fans.
"This one-off event will draw motorsport enthusiasts from across New Zealand and reinforce Wellington's reputation for hosting unforgettable major events," she said.
Day pass prices will start from $49, with weekend ones being valued from $74.
Registration for pre-sale tickets is currently live, with pre-sale access opening on Monday September 21 and general admission on Tuesday September 22.
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