The world’s most decorated rally driver, Sebastien Loeb, and New Zealand’s rally icon, Hayden Paddon, are the latest heavyweights confirmed for the 2025 Race of Champions (ROC). Set to take place at Accor Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park, from March 7-8, this thrilling event will feature elite drivers from across motorsport in a battle for ultimate bragging rights.
This announcement adds even more excitement following the confirmation of a German dream team comprising Sebastian Vettel and Mick Schumacher. Supercars legend Jamie Whincup and other global stars will also light up the ROC stage, promising two nights of adrenaline-fueled action on a custom-built 1-kilometre tarmac track inside Sydney’s Olympic Stadium.
The return of the GOAT: Sebastien Loeb aims for fifth ROC title
Loeb, a name synonymous with rallying dominance, boasts nine consecutive FIA World Rally Championship titles—an unmatched feat. Beyond his 80 WRC event wins, 120 podium finishes, and 939 stage victories, the French rally maestro is also a four-time ROC Champion of Champions.
His illustrious ROC legacy began with a win over Marcus Grönholm at Gran Canaria in 2003, followed by title-winning performances against Tom Kristensen (2005), David Coulthard (2008), and most recently Sebastian Vettel at ROC Sweden in 2022.
“I very much look forward to competing in the first ever Race Of Champions in Australia,” said Loeb. “I won Rally Australia once (2004), and I have so many good memories from the Race Of Champions.”
Loeb’s ability to adapt across disciplines is unparalleled. In addition to his WRC career with M-Sport Ford, he competes full-time in the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) for Dacia, recently finishing second at the Rallye du Maroc. A seasoned Dakar Rally competitor, he has claimed podium finishes in 2017, 2022, 2023, and 2024. His versatility extends beyond rallying; during two seasons in the World Touring Car Championship with Citroen, he achieved six wins and 20 podiums, finishing third in the championship both years.
“Competing and winning ROC in front of the enthusiastic French fans in Stade de France (2005) ranks as one of my all-time best racing memories,” added Loeb. “It’s always nice to meet up with other drivers in such a special atmosphere. My objective is, of course, to try to win my fifth ROC title now that this great event is back in a big stadium again.”
Hayden Paddon: Representing the Kiwis on a global stage
New Zealand’s most accomplished rally driver, Hayden Paddon, has been making waves on the international stage. Paddon became the first non-European to claim the European Rally Championship (ERC) title last year and secured back-to-back titles for Hyundai with his victory at the final ERC event in Poland in 2024.
“To be part of the Race Of Champions and especially represent the first Team NZ in ROC is a dream come true for me,” said Paddon. “I’ve been watching the Race Of Champions every year since my hero Colin McRae won ROC in Gran Canaria, always hoping that one day I would be invited to compete.”
Known for his fan-first approach and community engagement, Paddon is preparing to chase his eighth New Zealand Rally Championship title at the International Rally of Whangarei from November 8-10. His participation at ROC Sydney will be another highlight in his remarkable career.
“It’s a true honour to represent New Zealand and compete against some of the best of the best,” Paddon continued. “New Zealand has always proudly punched above its weight in world motorsport, and this will be a chance for myself and my teammate, whoever that ends up being, to really fly the Kiwi flag on the world stage.”
He added: “I hope many New Zealand fans will join me in Sydney now that this unique event is coming to this part of the world for the first time. March cannot come soon enough.”
ROC Sydney: A motorsport festival
The 2025 edition of ROC Sydney will feature two nights of unmissable action. The ROC Nations Cup takes place on Friday, March 7, pitting drivers in teams based on nationality as they vie for the title of the ‘World’s Fastest Nation’. On Saturday, March 8, the gloves come off for the individual Race Of Champions, where drivers compete head-to-head for the coveted *Champion of Champions* title.
This highly anticipated event will also follow hot on the heels of other major motorsport events, including the 2025 Supercars opener at Sydney Motorsport Park (February 21-23) and the first round of the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship in Melbourne (March 13-16).
Fredrik Johnsson, ROC President and Co-Founder, emphasized the significance of having both Loeb and Paddon involved: “We are very happy to welcome Sebastien Loeb and Hayden Paddon to the first-ever Race Of Champions in Australia,” said Johnsson. “When it comes to world motorsport, there are few bigger names than Sebastien Loeb. He has an incredible record in a range of disciplines, and his nine WRC titles and 4 ROC ‘Champion of Champions’ titles simply speak for themselves.”
Johnsson also expressed excitement about New Zealand’s debut in the ROC Nations Cup: “It’s long overdue that New Zealand will now finally have a team in the ROC Nations Cup for the first time. Hayden has shown how fast he is, just clinching his 2nd European Rally Championship title. We now have to decide who his teammate should be to represent New Zealand at ROC Sydney. New Zealand has so many great racing drivers, so it will not be an easy choice.”
Johnsson promised fans a spectacular show: “We are excited that the Australian and Kiwi fans will have the chance to see Sebastien and Hayden in action on the spectacular ROC tarmac race track that we will build in Sydney’s former Olympic Stadium. I’m sure their super fast and often sideways driving styles will be a big hit with the fans.”
A motorsport legacy: ROC’s star-studded history
The Race of Champions has a rich legacy of attracting motorsport royalty from all corners of the globe. Over the years, icons like Vettel, Schumacher, Loeb, Grönholm, Jenson Button, and David Coulthard have competed in the event. ROC has also welcomed stars from other series, including NASCAR legends like Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson, IndyCar greats like Helio Castroneves and Josef Newgarden, and Formula E Champion Lucas Di Grassi.
With Loeb and Paddon headlining the 2025 edition, ROC Sydney promises to deliver world-class entertainment. Fans can expect a thrilling showdown between legends and rising stars, all under the lights of Sydney’s iconic Olympic Stadium.
Mark your calendars: *The ROC Nations Cup kicks off on March 7, followed by the Race Of Champions on March 8.* Two unforgettable nights of motorsport await as Sydney hosts this unique celebration of speed, skill, and sporting camaraderie.
Stay tuned for more driver announcements and updates as ROC Sydney 2025 approaches, and get ready to witness the ultimate motorsport spectacle in the heart of Australia!