McRae has set his sights high for the Paris event

McRae has been confirmed alongside Formula One driver David Coulthard for the rally-style event in Paris' Stade de France on 4 December.

World rally champion elect Sebastien Loeb and Nascar great Jeff Gordon are among other drivers who will compete.

McRae said: "I am hoping to be one of the few drivers to beat Michael Schumacher this year."

It will be McRae's first experience of a world rally car since he tested for Subaru at the beginning of the year.

But the Scot, who has raced in the Dakar Rally and the Le Mans 24 Hours sportscar classic this season, is hopeful of doing well.

"This is going to be a even more competitive year than usual for the Race of Champions," McRae said.

I am very much looking forward to competing against the entry of world-class contenders David Coulthard

"The Stade de France should be amazing. This year will be quite different so that will make it a more level playing field than before. It is not really racing and not really rallying. So, unlike previously, the WRC drivers won't necessarily be at an advantage.

"There's a lot of high-profile drivers, the new venue and a new surface.

"Luckily, being a rally driver, I am used to adapting to changing conditions. DC is a great driver, so I am hoping we will be up there."

Coulthard, who has yet to secure an F1 drive for 2005, said: " Having watched the event with interest for many years, I am very much looking forward to competing against the entry of world-class contenders."