Alguersuari becomes youngest driver ever at ROC
The Spaniard is the youngest driver ever to win the British F3 International Series (eclipsing the record set by Ayrton Senna) and this year also became the youngest driver to test a Formula 1 car, when he tested for Red Bull Racing. Alguersuari, who has also previously won the Formula Renault Winter Trophy, replaces Red Bull’s F1 driver, Mark Webber, who broke his leg in a cycling accident last month. “Being invited to participate in The Race of Champions is a totally unexpected prize within an unforgettable year for me, after winning the British F3 International Series," said Alguersuari.
“I am very proud to be among such an impressive group of drivers. Some of them were already world champions when I was just racing in karts, so racing with them is going to be something very special. I am a single- seater driver and The ROC 2008 will be one of my first times at the wheel of touring and rally cars. I am just 18 and I got my driving license just 6 months ago but I will do my best to contribute for a huge show!!" Jaime Alguersuari will bring his youthful talent to The Race of Champions Fredrik Johnsson, president of ROC organizers IMP, said:
“Jaime will be the youngest driver ever to compete in The Race of Champions. He was born in Barcelona in 1990 the same year we organized the third Race of Champions in the Olympic Centre of Montjuic. This year Jaime impressed everyone by winning the British F3 series – acknowledged as one of the toughest domestic championships in the world – in his first season.
“He is one of the most promising young drivers in the world and it will be very interesting to see him compete at Wembley. Maybe he can upset the established stars, like Heikki Kovalainen did in 2004." Meanwhile, Team USA hit a setback today, with the announcement that 9- times X-Games Champion, Travis Pastrana, will not compete in The Race of Champions this weekend, after injuring his knee and hip performing a stunt in California, as he filmed for his forthcoming MTV series. A replacement driver will be announced in due course.
Tickets for The Race of Champions are on sale now by calling 0844 412 1743, or online at www.raceofchampions.com. Adult prices start at £18 and child tickets at £9. Tickets will also be available on the gate at Wembley Stadium.