Loeb signs up for Race of Champions

Michael Schumacher and Sebastien Loeb, the two most successful drivers in their disciplines, are to go head-to-head in a gala race in London.

The "Race of Champions" will pit the Formula One and World Rally drivers against each other in a knockout tournament at a specially-built track inside London's Wembley Stadium.

Loeb, who won the race between 2002 and 2006, missed out on last year's event due to the birth of his daughter, but the four-time WRC champion was looking forward to competing against the German again.

"I'm very happy to come back to The Race of Champions as it's an event that I really enjoy," Loeb said.

"It will be very nice to compete against Michael again like in 2004. We live very close to each other, but rarely have a chance to meet," added the Citroen C4 driver, currently preparing for this weekend's Rally of Germany.

"Last time we actually met was on a track racing motorcycles. Michael was a little bit faster than me, but I hope to get my revenge in identical cars at The Race of Champions."

Fans of motorsports of every persuasion will be anticipating the December 14 clash, not least as it will be a rare chance to catch a rare glimpse of retired seven-time Formula One great Schumacher.