RACING car driver and 2009 Formula One World Champion Jenson Button will make an appearance in Maldon later this year.

The former McLaren driver, who retired from the sport last year, will be the guest speaker at JD Classic’s next breakfast morning event.

Held at the classic car firm’s Maldon base the events have previously hosted appearances from Le Mans winner Derek Bell, F1 race winner Sir Stirling Moss and former engineer and team boos Ross Brawn.

Button, who made a one off return at the Monaco Grand Prix, will be talking about stories from his 16 year career in the sport.

The Brit also raced for Williams, Benetton, Renault, Honda and won the championship with Brawn.

His 2009 championship winning car will be on display at the firm’s workshop throughout the morning.

It will take place on October 22 from 8.30am and guests will have a chance to look around JD Classic’s site.

Button will take to the stage with compere Simon Taylor at 10.30am to relive his 306 race starts.

Derek Hood, JD Classics founder, said: “Our breakfast mornings have very quickly made a name for themselves as a magnet for automotive enthusiasts.

“We love opening the doors to the Maldon site to the public, giving them a behind-the-scenes look at all the amazing work we do here, from our Pebble Beach concours restorations to Moncao Historique-winning racing cars.

“It’s an absolute privilege to have Jenson Button joining us for our latest event – only Rubens Barrichello has started more races in Formula One, so you can rest assured he’ll have plenty of amazing stories to tell.”

Due to high demand tickets are only available through a ballot.

Those wishing to be entered should call 01621 879579. The ballot closes on October 6 at 3pm.