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Aussie F1 ace Daniel Ricciardo has laid down the gauntlet to former teammate Sebastian Vettel after declaring the gloves are off when he goes head-to-head with the German at the annual Race of Champions event next month.

Gearing up for what is set to be a fierce battle at the former Olympic Stadium London, the motorsport spectacular pits the world’s best drivers against each other to fight head-to-head in identical machinery to be crowned the ultimate accolade of ‘Champion of Champions’.

The popular Infiniti Red Bull Racing driver says beating the four-times world champ on neutral turf is his ultimate goal.

“One of the main things I’m looking forward to when I return to London in November is beating Seb. I shouldn’t start this rivalry to be honest, but I want to win!”

Ricciardo, who was one of the surprise stand-out stars of the 2014 F1 season, taking three victories and finishing third overall in the drivers’ standings and outshining current Ferrari driver Vettel says no love is lost on track.

(Image: Mark Thompson)

“As team-mates we were always compared and pitted against each other, so after he jumped ship last year, to beat him in the same machinery again would be redemption.”

Despite comfortably beating the illustrious quadruple world champion last season, Ricciardo will face stiff competition from some of the world’s best drivers.

Other star names in the 2015 line-up include fellow F1 racers Felipe Massa and Nico Hulkenberg, Formula E champion Nelson Piquet Jr, two-time MotoGP world champ Jorge Lorenzo and fellow Aussie racing legend and five-time MotoGP winner Mick Doohan.

(Image: Clive Rose)

“We all want to win. We are racers. But it’s not going to be easy. I think some of my toughest opponents will be the rally guys. They are always adapting to different conditions and I think they will be strong.

"The two-wheel guys are also ones to watch. I’ve watched it for many years, especially as a kid – so it’s cool to be a part of it this year and i’m really looking forward to it.”

The end of season showdown won’t be all work and no play for the fun-loving 26-year-old as he says he can’t wait to let his hair down with his fellow racers.

(Image: Clive Mason)

“It’s going to be pretty cool to hang out with the other motorsport athletes. When we race in F1 it’s pretty intense, we mingle a little bit but not that much.

"So the opportunity to be able to spend time with the other guys and share something in common with everyone in a low pressure environment is all part of the enjoyment - there might also be a party or two after to celebrate!”

The Race of Champions, which will be held at the former Olympic Stadium in Stratford, London, on 20th and 21st of November, will see drivers compete in a mix of vehicles including the Ariel Atom Cup, KTM X-Bow, Audi R8 LMS Supercar and the trademark ROC off-road buggy.

Tickets can be purchased from www.raceofchampions.com