Australian cycling legend, Robbie McEwen, will trade his bike helmet for a racing helmet at this year's Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix when he lines up for the Mazda3 Celebrity Challenge.

McEwen, who retired from professional cycling in 2012, is no stranger to battling it out on the track.

With his 17-year career boasting 12 stage wins and three green jerseys for best sprinter at the Tour de France, McEwen is eager to attack his latest challenge and jostle for pole position.

An active rider who still occasionally races club competitions on the Gold Coast, McEwan is hoping to follow in the footsteps of fellow cyclists Sir Chris Hoy and Anna Meares who competed in last year's Celebrity Challenge.

"Sir Chris Hoy came in second place in Sunday's race at last year's Celebrity Challenge and Anna Meares was the first female overall so I am quietly confident," McEwen said.

"Road bike racing uses similar skills to car racing, such as which lines to take and when to brake so hopefully I can use this to my advantage and come out a winner."

Robbie McEwen was in Adelaide commentating for the Tour Down Under with sports broadcasting legends Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen which finished last Sunday.

The Mazda3 Celebrity Challenge will feature 20 vehicles and will bring together celebrities from a wide variety of backgrounds and disciplines to compete at Melbourne's spectacular Albert Park street circuit during the 2014 Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix.

Confirmed drivers for the 2014 Mazda3 Celebrity Challenge include:

  • Lauren Phillips
  • Charley Boorman
  • Torah Bright
  • Rob Mills
  • Tim Robards
  • Robbie McEwen

Re-designed from the ground up, the All-New Mazda3 adopts the stylish 'KODO - Soul of Motion' design language and the full suite of efficient SKYACTIV Technologies.

Drivers will be better connected than ever before thanks to a new car connectivity system that allows easier access to phone, email and SMS, as well as Stitcher™, Aha™ and Pandora™.

Including an Active Driving Display, All-New Mazda3 is expected to be a favourite with Australians when it goes on sale from February 1.

2014 Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix | Albert Park | 13 – 16 March
For bookings or more information visit www.grandprix.com.au or www.mazda.com.au
#Madza3CelebGP

For more information contact:

Steve Maciver
Public Relations Manager
(03) 8540 1961
0437 125 589
smaciver@mazda.com.au

Tony Mee
Public Relations Specialist
+61 (0)3 8540 1962
+ 61 (0)439 347 658
tmee@mazda.com.au