Wembley keeps Race of Champions

Schumacher signs up to take on world's best racers
Tickets available for less than Â£15 if booked before 31 July
Family of four can attend for less than Â£50

The battle to decide the world's fastest motorsport star will take place at Wembley Stadium this December, when The 2008 Race Of Champions returns for its second successive year.

Wembley's pitch will be covered in almost 2,000 tonnes of tarmac to create a purpose-built circuit for the event, which takes place on Sunday 14 December and allows Formula 1 racers to compete against rivals from the worlds of rallying, touring cars, NASCAR and even motorbike racing – all on equal terms, in identical cars, in front of a crowd of thousands.

And, with prices reduced from last year and a further 20% off adult tickets for those who book before 31 July, it now costs as little as Â£14.40 for a seat at the event. With a 50% discount off the standard price for children aged under 15, a family of four can now watch the event for less than Â£50.

After being narrowly beaten by DTM Champion Mattias EkstrÃ¶m in last year's Race Of Champions final, seven-times Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher has thrown down the gauntlet to past and present motorsport stars by having signed up to return and fight for the chance to be crowned "The Champion of Champions".

"The great thing about The Race of Champions is that whether you win or lose it's a lot of fun – all the drivers really enjoy themselves and, because they're so close to the action, the crowd love it too", said Schumacher who, although missing out on the overall title, helped Germany to win The ROC Nations Cup with compatriot F1 racer Sebastian Vettel. The two racers will both return to defend their title in 2008.

Schumacher, together with Sebastian Vettel, led Germany to victory in last year's ROC Nations Cup

"Whatever the result, I'm proud to support ICM, who are dedicated to research on brain and spinal cord disorders. I hope that I can help The Race of Champions' organizers raise awareness and funds for a very important cause", Schumacher continued.

President of event organizers IMP, Fredrik Johnsson, is delighted the event is returning to Wembley after a successful debut in 2007.

"British fans have a great passion for motorsport, and really embraced The Race of Champions when we brought the event to the UK for the first time last year. We looked at proposals from several venues around the world but, as Wembley is such a unique and fantastic venue, plus the fact that we got extremely positive feedback from spectators last December, it was the best choice for 2008.

"Together with Wembley we've tried to improve ticketing this year. With a 50% reduction for children and lowered prices in several ticket categories, the event is even better value for all, especially families. Another thing we've improved is that fans can now choose exactly where they want to sit from the moment they book."

Wembley Stadium's Managing Director Alex Horne said: Â® We are delighted to welcome The Race of Champions back to Wembley Stadium for its second year.

"Some of the world's greatest drivers lined up in The Race of Champions at Wembley Stadium last year and this December we look forward to welcoming many of them back, along with a few new faces too.

"The Race of Champions is a truly thrilling spectacle and we are looking forward to working alongside the ROC team to build on the successes of last year and put on a fantastic event at Wembley Stadium for all fans of motorsport."

Tickets for the event are on sale now from www.raceofchampions.com or by calling 0844 412 1743, with a 20% saving available for purchases made before 31 July. Adult prices start at Â£14.40 (including 20% discount).