Kristensen, Grosjean return to RoC

Le Mans legend Tom Kristensen and Lotus Formula 1 driver Romain Grosjean are the first two drivers to announce their participation in this year's Race of Champions in Barbados.

The pair reached the final of the event when it was last held in Bangkok in 2012, with Grosjean defeating the likes of Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher before claiming victory over Kristensen in the final showdown. The reigning champion said he will be aiming to defend his crown while also looking to win the Nations Cup event with an as yet unnamed teammate.

"Coming back this year is even more special to me as I won the 'Champion of Champions' title at the last race," said Grosjean. "This year we will also do all we can to win the RoC Nations Cup as it's always special to race for your country."

Kristensen, meanwhile, will make his 14th appearance in the end-of-season jamboree and said he is looking forward to being pitted against others from across the motorsport spectrum.

"I keep coming back to the Race of Champions because it is such a special event and a unique chance to race such a wide range of drivers from different types of motorsport. We enjoy ourselves off the track but give everything on it, and it seems I'm getting closer to winning every year."

The 25-year-old event was canceled in 2013 for the first time owing to political unrest in host country Thailand and will take place this year in Barbados at the Bushy Park Circuit.