FORMULA 1 star Jenson Button will be heading a list of racing celebrities attending the DTM German Touring Car race at Brands Hatch on May 19.

The 2009 world champion will also be providing the ride of a lifetime to five lucky ticket holders.

The McLaren driver will be signing autographs for fans in a special session hosted by F1 tester and former DTM racer Susie Wolff.

He will then be driving a DTM ‘race taxi’ on the Brands Hatch Indy circuit for five competition winners, drawn at random from all advance ticket purchasers and holders of both Brands Hatch and MSV four wheel season passes.

Jenson will also be supporting his Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team-mate, Bromley test driver Gary Paffett, as he bids to win his home race for a second consecutive time. Last year multiple Grand Prix winner Button presented the winner’s trophy and will do so again next weekend.

“Brands Hatch is one of the circuits where you can really feel the tradition of motorsport,” Button said.

“I have raced there in Formula Ford and in British Formula 3 and always enjoyed the challenge of the circuit and the fact that the fans could get so close to the action.

“Like last year, Mercedes-Benz will give me the opportunity to take a ride with the DTM race taxi, hopefully in the dry this time as it was raining last year.

“I think we all can expect an exciting race because the DTM is one of the most competitive championships in the world with some of the best drivers in the world.

“And the racing is now even more exciting as the DTM uses DRS and Option tyres similar to what we have in Formula 1.

“I´ll be hoping Gary Paffett, my Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team-mate and our test and development driver, will be able to put in another strong performance like last year when he was on the top step of the podium.

“I am really looking forward to seeing the British fans again.

“This will be a very cool event, so don’t miss it.”

Former DTM champion and current Force India F1 driver Paul Di Resta will also be attending the event, which he won in 2009 and also in 2010, his title-winning season.

To enter the competition to win a ride in a DTM taxi car with Jenson Button, simply purchase an advance ticket for the DTM at Brands Hatch on May 19.

Tickets are available from £29 and admission is free for children aged 12 and under.

For more information, call 0843 453 9000 or visit brandshatch.co.uk

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