Gasly to appear at Race of Champions with Team France

Pierre Gasly will compete at the Race of Champions (RoC) this year for the first time with Team France. The Red Bull driver joins Loic Duval for the Nations Cup. France hasn't won the Nations Cup since 2004, when Jean Alesi and Sebastian Loeb raced for their country.

The 2019 RoC will be held in Mexico City at the Autodrome Hermanos Rodriquez, which hosts the annual Mexican Grand Prix. The event will use the iconic stadium section of the track across the two-day event which kicks off on January 19th.

"It’s a big honour to be taking part in the Race Of Champions for the first time," said 2016 GP2 champion. "I’ve known about the event for many years, and I’m excited to see how it works first-hand at last.

"I know France has a rich tradition of driving success at the event so I’m looking forward to aiming for another strong performance in partnership with Loic in the ROC Nations Cup.

"Most of all I’m looking forward to hearing the noise of the Mexican crowds. I know the Foro Sol well from Formula 1, it’s a spectacular venue and we will all put on a great show for the fans."

The Nations Cup will take place on the opening day, while Gasly will compete by himself on day two. The Frenchman will compete for the Champion of Champions title, which is currently held by ex-Grand Prix driver David Coulthard.

Duval, who will also make his RoC debut next weekend, added: "I’ve watched the Race Of Champions for years, and I’ve always been hoping I’d get a chance to have a go for myself. Now it’s happening for real.

"I can’t wait to take on all these great drivers from motorsport series all over the world – not least in the ROC Nations Cup for Team France alongside Pierre. The event looks like an amazing experience and I’m sure the atmosphere at the Foro Sol will be special. Roll on next weekend."