Reigning Formula One world champion Jenson Button is making his first public appearance as a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula One driver this week.

The Frome flyer is appearing at Autosport International at the NEC in Birmingham, which begins today and continues until Sunday.

Button will be giving interviews, signing autographs and sharing his thoughts on the task of defending his championship title at the event, which is Europe's largest motorsport show.

"I always look forward to attending Autosport International," said Button.

"I've been there many times over the years, and it's become a real date for my diary.

"It is an event that fills in the long gap between seasons and which allows thousands of people to enjoy and talk about motorsport during these extremely cold winter months.

"Most of all, I love it because it allows me to see many of the fans who have supported me so much over the past season.

"I know that people don't always get the chance to see and speak to me, but Autosport International is one of those occasions when I can meet people in a more relaxed environment away from the racetrack.

"This is the perfect opportunity for me to look back over an incredible 12 months and share those memories with many, many enthusiastic people."

Not only will visitors get the chance to see the driver at the NEC-based show but also the machinery that helped him win his title, as the Brawn GP car will be on display along with other cars from the 2009 grid.

"There is no doubt that the British public is getting ready for an epic Grand Prix season," said Autosport International show director Ian France.

"I'm sure that Jenson's many fans will be showing their full support for him at Autosport International."

For more information, visit www.autosport-international.com.