Jenson Button makes his Race of Champions debut on Sunday hoping to avoid making a fool of himself.

For the first time since the inaugural event in 1988, the annual spectacular takes place at the new Wembley.

A grand 'Scalextric' track has effectively been built inside the stadium where the world's best drivers from various disciplines will compete.

Seven-time Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher heads an all-star cast that includes reigning world rally, world touring car and NASCAR champions Sebastien Loeb, Andy Priaulx and Jimmie Johnson.

Current DTM champion Mattias Ekstrom returns to defend the title he surprisingly won last year in a shoot-out with Loeb at the Stade de France in Paris.

Button was due to drive in that event, but fractured a couple of ribs in a karting accident a few weeks earlier.

The Honda F1 star now cannot wait to pit his skills against many of today's motorsport greats.

"In a way I'm happy this is my first Race of Champions," remarked Button.

"It's the most spectacular stadium, and having the British public here, it's going to be incredible.

"Racing against so many different people we watch on telly, it's going to be fun competing against them and watching them drive.

"For me it's about having fun here, but I'm sure when we put our helmets on there will be a little bit of seriousness - although I'm going to talk it down just in case I am really rubbish!"

The rally drivers do have the edge over their single-seater counterparts who are used to keeping all four wheels on the track.

"The worst bit is the jump. I've never had four wheels off the ground before," smiled Button.

"That bit is quite exciting. You come over it and then you are immediately on the brakes turning left, so it's going to be pretty hairy.

"But I'm really excited about driving the car, especially as it's a rally car. That's the bit that thrills me the most."

David Coulthard is another of the F1 drivers involved, with the Scot now in his fourth year of the event, and with advice for Button.

"The rally guys are more suited to this type of racing than Jenson and I who are used to driving very flat," remarked Coulthard.

"On this type of track you have to learn to drive from the rear.

"The main difficulty is if you are out first and you jump into a car on completely cold tyres and brakes.

"In my first Race of Champions, I was first out in the first race, so I pulled out in this cold car and I was sliding all over the place.

"If you get lucky with the draw and you are not first out, the car, tyres and brakes are warm, and it's more like I'm used to.

"If you are first, then it is quite a baptism of fire, but that's the format and it makes it very exciting."

The event this year is especially significant as there will be a tribute to former world rally champion Colin McRae.

The Scot was due to compete, but was killed in a helicopter accident three months ago.

More news from SportingLife.com