The stars of the Formula One world descended on Brands Hatch yesterday to support their colleagues and friends and to visit fans of the DTM.

2009 F1 World Champion and Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver Jenson Button, Sahara Force India star Paul di Resta and BBC F1 host Jake Humphrey were just some of those present, with Button also presenting the winner’s trophy to Gary Paffett (McLaren’s test and reserve driver) at the end of the race.

Each of them took time out of their busy schedule to speak to MSV about Brands Hatch and the DTM.

Jenson Button

“I think Brands Hatch is a mega venue. I raced here in Formula Ford and Formula 3 and always loved racing here. Driving around here in a DTM car is a lot of fun I’m sure, I did actually have a go myself but I didn’t really get the tyres up to temperature, but it was great.

“This is my first time at a DTM race so it’s a good experience and one day hopefully I’ll get to drive the cars a little bit more because I enjoyed the three laps that I was allowed to have today!

“Driving the F1 car around here would be mega you know. I really enjoy this place and especially through Paddock it’s a great experience and there aren’t many circuits like this so it would be good. It’s also nice to be back in the UK, there are a lot of British motorsport fans here and it’s great to see the big support for the DTM series”

Jake Humphrey

“This is fantastic. DTM is such an important race series, you’ve seen drivers step out of F1 to get into DTM and you’ve seen drivers go from DTM into Formula One. This is the number one tin top series and it’s great to be here. It’s lovely to be on the grid and soaking up the atmosphere and I’m glad there’s no rain!

“This is the first time I’ve been to Brands Hatch for DTM, I’ve been here for track days and the like but not so many race meetings and it’s great to see the place looking so busy.”

Paul di Resta

“I’m here as a guest of Mercedes Benz and one of my good friends, Gary Paffett, is on pole so I’m hoping he’s going to give us something to celebrate tonight and equally boost his championship.

“I don’t need to say much about Brands Hatch as a venue for DTM, it’s always been great. I think if you look at the sights I can see at the moment it’s growing each year, it’s getting busier and that’s a great thing. It’s always nice to have an international series with so many British drivers coming to the UK.”

David Coulthard (2012 DTM driver)

“It was great to be back at Brands Hatch. As well as driving the DTM car I came here has a fan of motorsport to watch the cars. Brands Hatch was always a track that I enjoyed when I was in the lower formulas and it is always good to get the chance to drive it again.”

Motorsport fans can follow in the footsteps of their heroes and experience the Brands Hatch circuit with one of MSVs driving experiences, including laps in an exhilarating BMW M3. For more information visit www.msvdrivinggifts.com.

The next major event at Brands Hatch is the Masters Historic Festival this weekend (26-27 May) on the famed Grand Prix circuit. Tickets are available in advance for £17 with free admission for children aged 12 and under. For more information call 0843 453 9000 or visit www.brandshatch.co.uk.