NEWLY crowned Formula One champ Lewis Hamilton is to take on the likes of golfer Rory McIlroy, age-defying track victor Jo Pavey and dressage star Charlotte Dujardin in the battle for BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2014.

Real Madrid footballer Gareth Bale, boxer Carl Froch, visually impaired skier Kelly Gallagher, swimmer Adam Peaty, gymnast Max Whitlock and skeleton bob racer Lizzy Yarnold complete the 10-strong list for the annual prize. No Scots are in the running for the prize which will be presented at The Hydro in Glasgow on Sunday December 14.

PGA Championship winner McIlroy has emerged as the early frontrunner with bookmaker William Hill which puts him at 2/9 to land the title.

The Northern Ireland sportsman - who also won the Open - heads the field ahead of Hamilton at 3/1.