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.