THE ULTIMATE SHOWDOWN: The Race of Champions

"It is so exciting to be in the French team and with our new World Champion," admitted Alesi. "I think it is a strong combination, especially having SŽbastien in the team. To perform at the Stade de France is going to be really interesting. All those fans and running the cars in a stadium. It will be unique."

Alesi's confirmation comes at the same time as that of Heikki Kovalainen, who was crowned champion of The World Series by Nissan this weekend. He will join Marcus Gronholm in the Finnish team.

The 2004 Teams

Germany: MICHAEL SCHUMACHER; ARMIN SCHWARZ France: SEBASTIEN LOEB; JEAN ALESI USA: JEFF GORDON; JIMMIE JOHNSON United Kingdom: DAVID COULTHARD; COLIN MCRAE Sweden: KENNY BRACK; MATTIAS EKSTROM Finland: HEIKKI KOVALAINEN; MARCUS GRONHOLM

The History

2003 Canary Islands

Winner: Sebastien Loeb Finalist: Marcus Gronholm Semi-finalists: G. Panizzi - F. Duval Nations' Cup: All Stars (C. Da Matta/G.Panizzi/F. Nieto) Nations' Cup Finalists: Spain (O. Servia/F. Alonso/E. Alzamora)

2002 Canary Islands

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