Sebastian Vettel wins 2015 Race of Champions

Ferrari Formula 1 driver Sebastian Vettel has won the 2015 Race of Champions (ROC) held at London's Olympic Stadium. Vettel bested 19 fellow motor sport giants and claimed his first ROC crown.

Vettel defeated nine-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner Tom Kristensen during the best-of-three Grand Final round. Of note, Vettel had never been in the Grand Final round before, despite his six ROC Nations Cup wins in partnership with Michael Schumacher for Team Germany. On the other hand, Kristensen has been in the Grand Final round for the fourth time but, the Le Mans legend has yet to win an ROC title.

The German said that he was very happy and honored to finally clinch his first ROC title.

“I’m very happy and honored to win – but that took a while! A lot of world class racing drivers have won this trophy. I’ve tried to win this many times and failed many times but finally I’ve succeeded,” said Vettel.

Kristensen added by saying that “Seb (Vettel) is a deserved winner – he drove brilliantly and he showed that skill in the final. I gave my all and it was close but he’s been really on it here.”

Before reaching the Grand Final round, Vettel eliminated World Rallycross champion Petter Solberg, 2015 Le Mans 24 Hours winner Nico Hulkenberg and 2014 ROC champion David Coulthard.

Meanwhile, Kristensen eliminated Formula E champion Nelson Piquet Jr., two-time British Touring Car Championship winner Jason Plato and Blancpain Endurance champion Alex Buncombe to reach the final round.