New Delhi: Two Indian drivers ' Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok will have to fight it out against top Formula One stars like Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel when they represent India at the Race of Champions in Bangkok next month.
India have been invited to participate in the December 14-16 event for the first time in 25 years.
The event will also include drivers from world rally, touring cars, LeMans, MotoGP, Indycar and X-Games. Schumacher and Vettel will represent Germany in the race.
The Race of Champions is a knock-out event where the world's greatest drivers battle it out to prove they are the fastest in identical machinery. The champion is ensured through a series of head-to-head battles.
On Tuesday, both Karthikeyan and Chandhok said it would be a great challenge to drive for the national team. "Moreover, it's always good to compete in different formats. Also that a great variety of drivers will be there, makes it more interesting. That's something unique about this event," said Chandhok.
Karthikeyan, an HRT driver, had escaped unhurt in an accident with Mercedes' Nico Rosberg during the last weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Asked if more changes are required in safety regulation for the drivers, he said: "It was pretty safe, if you see the magnitude of the accident."
Responding to a question whether India will see both Karhtikeyan and Chandhok racing for an Indian F1 team, the latter said:
"It's a nice dream. But at the moment, it's unrealistic."
Asked whether he had any chance to drive for Force India in next year's Formula One, Karthikeyan said: "I don't think that is going to happen…I would not like to comment on it."