British drivers Jenson Button and David Coulthard have both been confirmed in the line-up for the forthcoming 2017 Race of Champions event in Miami.

Button, Formula One world champion in 2009, recently retired from the sport but will take part in his sixth ROC when it makes its debut in the US next month.

The 36-year-old is looking forward to the event and competing alongside a host of former and current motorsport stars, who Button insists all take the race seriously once they are in their cars.

“I’m delighted to be coming back to the Race of Champions once again,” he said.

“It is always a great event with a special atmosphere. You get to race against the best drivers from all over the world and we enjoy our time both on and off the track as we meet old friends from all the different motor sport series.

“The main thing is that everyone wants to put on a good show for the fans – and we only pretend to play it cool before giving it everything when we’re revving up the cars on the line.

“I urge race fans to get themselves to Miami in January to enjoy the action up close and personal and to give us a cheer.”

Scot Coulthard will also appear once again having been crowned ROC Champion of Champions at the 2014 version event held in Barbados.

He said: “I’m delighted to be coming back to the Race of Champions. I was proud to win it a couple of years ago, beating off drivers who I’ll admit are younger and more talented than me!

“But that’s the nature of the knock-out system. You also get a chance to compare your driving with a wide range of different drivers from all over the world in a lot of different vehicles, while having fun out of the car.”

The Race of Champions will take place on January 21-22 at Miami’s Marlins Park. Current and former F1 drivers already confirmed as taking part include Sebastian Vettel, Felipe Massa, Juan Pablo Montoya and Indy 500 winner Alexander Rossi.