Bottas reveals dreams of Race of Champions appearance

Valtteri Bottas has revealed he has "always wanted" to take part in the Race of Champions ahead of his first appearance in the event this winter.

The Race of Champions serves as a who's who of racing's best drivers from all categories on two wheels and four, with competitors taking part in races styled as a rally-like super special stage.

The event returns to its roots for the next running over the winter, switching from stadium venues to a purpose-made ice track on the frozen Baltic Sea at Pite Havsbad.

Bottas will compete as part of the two-man Finnish team in the ROC Nations Cup on day one before racing for individual bragging rights on day two.

"It is the first time I am joining that race," said Bottas.

"I have always wanted to do it but either with the calendar or location, timings haven't worked out.

"Actually, it is next door to Finland where I am going to be at some point in the winter so I can combine those and it should be really fun on ice and snow."

Against proven rally experts better suited to such conditions, Bottas may find it hard going.

Despite that, he said: "I don't feel like it is a disadvantage because I am from Finland and I have done some rallies and done the Arctic rally a few times. I think it is going to be good.

"Obviously, as a driver who drives on tracks, once you get to learn the track, I feel it is a bit more natural than for a rally driver.

"Let's see, of course, they are going to be fast but it is mainly for fun."

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