FOR the first time, the Race of Champions (RoC) is coming to the United Kingdom.

The event, featuring former Formula One champion Michael Schumacher and rally aces Andy Priaulx and Marcus Gronholm is on Sunday, December 16, at Wembley Stadium.

Tickets are from £25. Box office 0844 412 1743 or www.ticketmaster.co.uk/

The event, created in 1988, aims to sort the men from the boys on the racetrack.

The event will also be the finishing line for 2002 World Rally Championship winner Marcus Grönholm, who will be retiring from the sport after this year’s championship.

BP-Ford backed Marcus grew up with motor sport running through his veins.

His father, Ulf, was one of Finland’s top rally drivers in the 70s and Marcus made his motocross debut at 13. His accolades include World Rally Champion in 2000 and 2002.

Marcus is no stranger to the RoC having won the 2002 event, taking home the Henri Toivonen Memorial Trophy and the title Champion of Champions. Then in 2006, he teamed up with fellow countryman Heikki Kovalainen, to win the Nations’ Cup for Finland.

Below Marcus answers some of the questions people like to ask:

Q. What is the most useful gadget you own?

A. My mobile telephone.

Q. What’s playing on your car stereo now?

A. Celine Dion – my wife likes it!

Q. What’s your favourite car?

A. My Ford Focus RS World Rally Car. Without it I would not have won any rallies this season!

Q. What other sports are you into?

A. Boxing, skiing, in fact virtually all sports.

Q. When you’re not rallying, what do you do to relax?

A. I go to the sauna.

Q. With only four races left to go, how are you feeling about the last part of the season?

A. It looks like it will be a very close end to the season. My lead is definitely not big enough to relax, so I have to continue battling for every point.

Q. Why the decision to not drive next year?

A. The time has come for me to hang up my helmet. I wanted to end on a high, so I am retiring. I still have the potential and speed to win rallies. I will miss competing, but I’m looking forward to spending more time with my wife and three children.

Q. What mental and physical preparation do you do before a race?

A. I have standard physical preparation which I carry out with my personal trainer and I also do a little bit of mental preparation – but the detail of that remains my secret!

Q. When did you first know you wanted to race?

A. My father was a rally driver so I grew up with the sport – he was a true inspiration. I started to compete in motocross when I was 13.

However, a knee injury brought that to an end. As soon as I passed my driving test I switched focus and started rallying.

Q. What’s your favourite track/country to race in?

A. I’d say my favourite is probably Sweden, it’s such a beautiful country and the roads are fast, flowing and hugely enjoyable to drive.

Q. If you weren’t racing in WRC, what would you be doing instead?

A. A farmer.

Q. What single thing would you take to a desert island with you and why?

A. Water… I wouldn’t last long without it!

Q. What are your top tips for those wanting to get into the sport?

A. Drive hard, listen to advice from those people with experience and take every opportunity you’re given.

Factfile

Date of Birth: 05.02.1968

Nationality: Finnish

First Rally: 1987 (Ford Escort 1300)

First World Rally: 1989 (Lancia HF Intergrale)

Highlights: 2000 & 2002 World Rally Champion

2006 RoC Nations Cup Winner with Heikki Kovalainen