Button to try his hand at rallying?

The organisers of the Race of Champions, a spectacular, head-to-head knockout competition in Gran Canaria, have invited the Benetton-bound driver to join Britain's three-man Nations Cup team for the event on December 8-10.

"Jenson was extremely enthusiastic," said organiser Fredrik Johnson. "He's currently waiting for permission from Frank Williams on the matter, so we're hopeful that he'll take part."

The Nations Cup pitches stars from rallying, racing and motorcycling against each other on a figure-of-eight superspecial stage.

Indy 500 winner Danny Sullivan and World Superbike Champion Colin 'Texan Tornado' Edwards are already confirmed for the US squad, with quadruple World Rally Champion Tommi Makinen and former Le Mans winner JJ Lehto signed-up for Finland and MotoGP hero Valentino Rossi part of the Italian challenge.

Should Button take part, advice on driving on the loose should be close at hand. Father John was a renowned rallycross driver before hanging up his helmet and concentrating on his kart engine business.