Rivals urge Hamilton to join RoC

Race of Champions organisers have openly targeted Hamilton as their key attraction for the event that takes place at Wembley on December 14 - although his McLaren boss Ron Dennis is believed to be reluctant to allow the new world champion to take his focus off F1.

But speaking at a pre-event press conference at Wembley on Friday, Coulthard and Button both called on Hamilton to make an effort to join in the fun.

Coulthard said: "For me the best part is the bit behind the scenes, the camaraderie of the event, between the drivers. I never had the opportunity before this to actually spend time with motorbike guys, rally guys and people from different formulas because you are so into your own sport.

"That's the kind of thing I really enjoy. It's one of the things that we have been discussing to see if we can enable the public to see a little bit more about what goes on behind the scenes.

"We all play down the competitive side, but don't think because we are having fun that we don't want to do the best we can.

"Now that I am retired, this represents the best chance I will have for a while to go racing. So I hope to do a good enough job to ensure I will be invited back again."

When asked about Hamilton's possible participation, Coulthard said he would love him to race alongside him at Team F1 Racing Great Britain, against Button and outgoing World Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx in Team Autosport Great Britain.

"These two guys together [Jenson and Priaulx] are a very strong team and it would certainly help me a great deal if Lewis would come along," said Coulthard. "I would love to ride on his coat-tails and win something.

"So Lewis if you are watching, which I am sure you are - probably cuddled up in bed with your lovely girlfriend between sessions, wondering... please come along to the Race of Champions. Do it for your country!"

Button added: "I think it would be great. It's a great event and I had a lot of fun last year. To have Lewis here alongside DC, I think it would be a great team.

"Not quite as good as Andy and myself, but it would be good to have two good British teams in the Nations Cup."