A different kind of burn-out? No just another close finish in this year's Race of Champions held yesterday at the Wembley Stadium, London.

The overall winner of the drivers' title was five-time World Rally Champion, Sebastian Loeb, seen here in the really cool Abarth 500………I'd like one in Ferrari Red please, my own Testarossa………please Rod?

 

Second overall and just beaten in an exciting finale was recently retired Grand Prix star, David Coulthard who carried hopes of a home win.

Of course this being motorsports' answer to Barnum and Bailey we witnessed all manner of ballyhoo to pass the time and keep us warmish in freezing conditions. And what current car culture event would be complete with an appearance from the hero of the hour, Lewis Hamilton?  Here doughnuting in his F1 McLaren…………

Of course Lewis was not the only World Champion on view, the great Michael Schumacher was as you might expect fighting for a win with all his skills, this time he had to be content with victory in the Nations Cup with his German team mate Sebastian Vettel.

At the start of the event folk in the press room were asking me " Who Is Tanner Foust?" Well by the close of play on Sunday they had a better idea, especially when he dumped Jenson Button out of the competition.

Reflecting the competition's rally roots the drivers got to play with the latest WRC Fords, just don't ask Tanner about launch control!

The crowd figure was given as 60,000, a pinch of salt please, but still even if it was half that number it still was a pretty impressive turnout. And hello to the Brighton Boys.

The incredible Mister Loeb has the spoils of victory on display. Aside from his rally success this year he has just finished a test programme with the Peugeot 908 HDI, a shot at a Le Mans win must be on the cards for 2009? And if that was not enough he really impressed the Formula One paddock while testing last month with times that would be competitive by any measure.

So perhaps it is appropriate that he takes the top step.

OK a more in depth look to follow during this week.

-John Brooks