Defending V8 Supercar Champion Jamie Whincup has become the latest driver to sign up for the Race of Champions event at The Bird's Nest in Beijing in November.

Whincup will be the first four-wheel star from Australia to take part in the RoC in its 21-year history.

The Team Vodafone driver will face challenges from a number of leading drivers, including Michael Schumacher, Jenson Button and Mikko Hirvonen.

The three-time Bathurst 1000 winner said he was eager to pursue the opportunity after learning that it would not clash with his V8 Supercar commitments.

“I have always wanted to look at the possibility of doing one-off events providing they don't interrupt our program and preparation at TeamVodafone,” said Whincup, who leads the 2009 V8 Supercar Championship by 171 points. “Initially I felt the Bahrain event would restrict my chances but when it was cancelled it opened up the opportunity once more.

“It's going to be an awesome event. I will get to race some amazing cars against the likes of (Michael) Schumacher and (Jenson) Button which is incredibly exciting.

“It will be great to mix it with these guys and find out what makes them tick. Don't get me wrong, I'm not out there to fill in for Massa at Ferrari, it's all about having fun and hopefully I can help to further raise the profile of V8 Supercars and Australian motorsport in the process.”