Sebastian Vettel has capped an extraordinary few weeks by winning the Race of Champions for Team Germany alongside Michael Schumacher.
The win delighted the home fans in the ESPRIT arena in Düsseldorf and was the Germans’ fourth successive ROC Nations Cup triumph. In a repeat of the previous two finals, the Formula One stars faced Team GB, prevailing in a sudden death shoot-out as Schumacher beat Andy Priaulx.
“The moment I went out on to the track everyone stood up and went crazy,” an ecstatic Vettel said afterwards. “It was a really cool night for all the fans, as well as for Michael and myself to get so much support. It was extremely close in the first round and we thought we might get knocked out.
“But I was lucky I had Michael on my team. It was a fun experience and to win at home, the first time in many years that the Race of Champions has been held in Germany, is very special.”
The newly-crowned F1 world champion came face-to-face with fellow Red Bull athlete Travis Pastrana in the first round in Düsseldorf. And, despite edging out Vettel, Pastrana and his Team USA were unable to progress past the first round.
“It felt really good to beat Sebastian Vettel in the first round and it was just really cool to race him because I have so much respect for him,” the American said. “It's unfortunate we couldn't go through but it was awesome having Carl Edwards over here and driving alongside me for Team USA. It was a bit tough for us out there but now I'm looking forward to tomorrow.”
The action now switches away from the team event as the drivers go head-to-head for individual glory. There will also be a demonstration from Vettel in his championship-winning Red Bull car.
For more from Dusseldorf, check out our dedicated event page.
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