Wellington's Hnry Stadium to become one-time racetrack for motorsport stars

Formula 1 stars, rally champions and Supercar winners are set to square off in January on a temporary track in Wellington's Cake Tin.Among them will be four-time Formula 1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel, 2025 Supercars Champion and ROC Sydney 2025 runner-up Chaz Mostert, 10-time Formula 1 race winner Valtteri Bottas and New Zealand rally star Hayden Paddon.It will be the first time the event, known as the "Race of Champions", has been held in New Zealand.The venue will be a purpose-built tarmac circuit inside Hnry Stadium. The identical competition cars mean only driver skill will determine the winner.More drivers are expected to be announced in the coming months.The event is backed by the government through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), and is expected to draw international visitors to the city.Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston expected it to be "a thrilling spectacle".Louise UpstonRNZ / Mark Papalii"This one-off event will draw motorsport enthusiasts from across New Zealand and reinforce Wellington's reputation for hosting unforgettable major events," she said.Race Of Champions co-founder and president Fredrik Johnsson said it was exciting to be able to bring the race to New Zealand."This is one of the most beautiful places on Earth and there is so much passion for motorsport and so many talented drivers here," he said."It will be fascinating to see the Kiwi stars compete against some of the international superstars from F1, World Rally and more in front of their home fans."WellingtonNZ chief executive Mark Oldershaw said the chance to see champions from different racing disciplines go wheel-to-wheel didn't come up often, making this a "truly special experience"."Whether you're a lifelong motorsport fan or simply looking for an exciting summer day out, we encourage everyone - including families - to head along to Hnry Stadium and enjoy the adrenaline and atmosphere."Hnry Stadium's Warrick Dent said it was a huge moment for the venue.Wellington's Cake Tin is set to look radically different come January.John Cowpland / www.photosport.nz"Transforming our beloved turf into a full tarmac race circuit, hosting some of the biggest names in world motorsport for two days, will show exactly what this venue is capable of and put Wellington front of mind for major international events."Four-time F1 champion - and the 2015 winner of the Race of Champions - Vettel said a previous visit to New Zealand had left him "blown away by the beauty of the country" - so much so that he had (jokingly at the time) asked the organisers to make it the destination for the next Race of Champions."I am really looking forward to competing against so many other champions from across the globe at the Race of Champions in Wellington in January and get a chance to visit more of New Zealand."Fellow competitor Bottas - a current Cadillac Formula 1 driver and 10-time F1 grand prix winner - said he was expecting an exciting race with great atmosphere."Personally I feel it's really good to drive something during the off-season and there is no better place to do it than at ROC, so I'm really looking forward to January!"Mostert, the 2025 Supercars Champion and 2025 Race of Champions runner-up, said he was honoured to be invited back."Looking forward to it being in Wellington NZ as it's a beautiful part of the world. Bring it on."Local star Hayden Paddon - a seven-time rally champion - said it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Kiwi motorsport fans to get up close and personal with drivers from all over motorsport.