The McRae name will continue to figure in the Race of Champions after confirmation that Alister McRae will take the place of his late brother Colin in the annual end of season event.

McRae was one of the first drivers to sign up for the 2007 event – which will be held at Wembley for the first time – but was tragically killed in September when his helicopter came down close the family home in Lanark. His five-year-old son Johnny and two family friends were also on board.

Now younger brother Alister will join Red Bull Racing's David Coulthard in the Scottish team and he said he would be doing all he could to honour the 1995 WRC title winners memory.

“It will be difficult to be there but when Colin competed he always put on a good show,” Alister said. “It was one of the things the fans loved about him. As far as Colin was concerned, it was about driving as quick as possible and being spectacular. Being there in his place will be difficult for me but hopefully we will do him proud.

“Being against some of the best guys in the world is a great opportunity. It's supposed to be an end of year bit of fun, but everyone wants to win!

“I know Colin wouldn't want me sitting about and dwelling on things. He has a reputation of going very well at the Race of Champions so it's an honour to race for him. It's a great event; a really good show. It's good for the spectators and if they enjoy it so do the drivers.”

Aside from Alister McRae joining the line-up, event organisers IMP are planning further tributes to Britain's first WRC champion.

"Losing Colin was a tragedy," IMP president Fredrik Johnsson said. "Colin was one of the sport's best-loved competitors and a very good friend so we want to pay tribute to him at Wembley Stadium, as does the international line up of drivers and all the British fans."