When the Race of Champions returns in 2022 on February 5 and 6, Formula One fans will see one of the greatest drivers return to racing as two-time world champion Mika Hakkinen will take part in the race for the first time. He will be competing in the Nations Cup together with current F1 driver Valtteri Bottas for Team Finland.

Apart from teaming up with the Mercedes driver, Hakkinen will also compete for the ‘Champion of Champions’ title in the individual category.

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Mika Hakkinen looks forward to his return, wishes to get results similar to Seb-Michael

“I’m really looking forward to racing again and to finally being able to take part in the Race of Champions,“ said Häkkinen, the Formula One World Champion in 1998 and 1999 for McLaren.

The 2022 edition of the Race of Champions will take place in Pite Havsbad, Sweden, on a slope made of ice and snow – something Mika is really looking forward to.

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“It will be very different from Formula 1, but I love the competition and it is so spectacular to drive on snow and ice.” (Translated via Google Translate)

Apart from the two Flying Finns, some other premier drivers announced for the event include 9 time Le Mans winner, Tom Kristensen, reigning World Rallycross Champion Johan Kristoffersson, 9 time World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb.

Previously, Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher had formed the mighty Team Germany at ROC and they won the Nations’ Cup a whopping six times between 2007 and 2012. Undoubtedly, Häkkinen and Bottas will be expected to get similar results.

“I’ll try to train at my home in northern Finland before the event,” said Häkkinen. “It is an honor to represent Team Finland with Valtteri Bottas. We will do our best to win the title and hopefully, a lot of Finnish fans will come to support us.”

Quite obviously, Bottas is also happy. He said that he has become good friends with Mika and is really happy to have him as his teammate for Team Finland. However, he also said, “But then of course we have to try to beat each other in the individual race. It will be entertaining for the fans, no matter who wins it. “

The battle between the Nordic countries – another interesting aspect of ROC

As mentioned, apart from Mika Hakkinen and Valtteri Bottas, there are a number of other Nordic starters such as Tom Kristensen, Johan Kristoffersson and Petter, and Oliver Solberg. So, the battle between the Nordic countries will be another interesting aspect of the Race of Champions.

“There has been a longstanding sporting rivalry between the Nordic countries, so a lot of prestige is at stake, especially between Finland and Sweden,” said Fredrik Johnsson, President of the Race of Champions.

However, the other countries should, by no means, be underestimated.

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“The local riders may think they have an advantage, but the competition from countries like France, led by Sebastien Loeb, and the US with Travis Pastrana will be tough and the ROC will always have surprises. One thing is certain: It will be very spectacular and entertaining.”

Surely, the fans are hyped over the race and wish to see some spectacular clashes between their favorite drivers!