As the countdown to the 2006 Race of Champions – Nations Cup at the Stade de France in Paris continues, organisers IMP have been busy putting the finishing touches to their new track design. Not only will the new layout be quicker, with tops speeds expected to exceed 140kph, but drivers will also spend more time side-by-side around the 1,2 km figure-of-eight circuit.

"With two years' experience at the Stade de France behind us," says IMP President Fredrik Johnsson, "we have sought to optimise the full length of the stadium, as well as the space available for the infield and the positioning of the crossover bridge. In doing so, we have enhanced the notion of speed, both for the drivers and the spectators. I believe the racing this year will be more spectacular then ever."

"This year, the circuit will be set up around a fortnight ahead of the event but we still need five days to erect it so the track will be available for corporate events during 10 days. Merely laying down the track is a feat in itself," adds co-organiser Michèle Mouton. "Following the testing we have carried out, a surveyor took extremely precise measurements to facilitate the construction work at the Stade de France. Just six days after the France-Argentina rugby test match, the stadium will become a fully-fledged motor racing circuit! The surface itself is made of conventional asphalt, but with less grip dialled in to guarantee a great show."

Among the (F1) drivers already committed for the 2006 event are: Jenson Button (England), David Coulthard (Scotland) and Heikki Kovalainen (Finland), who won the 2004 event.