WORLD Superbike star Neil Hodgson will make the switch from two to four wheels this weekend when he opens the Autosport International Show.

The Burnley race ace heads an all-star line-up at the three-day motorsport extravaganza, held at Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre on January 11-13.

Joining Hodgson on centre stage will be Grand Prix stars David Coulthard, Pedro De La Rosa and Allan McNish, together with a host of drivers from Touring Cars, Formula Three and Rallying.

"I was invited to Autosport International last January and had a terrific day, meeting drivers and riders from all branches of motorsport," said Hodgson.

"If you're into racing of any kind, then this is the show to go to. I had my first taste of Reliant Robin racing in the Live Action Arena, which produced the inevitable thrills and spills!

"I'm not sure what the organisers have planned for me, but I certainly intend to take part in whatever action is happening."

Although the Friday show is exclusively for trade visitors, Hodgson will be meeting bike racing fans on Saturday and Sunday in the dedicated BikeSport area.

Both McNish, scheduled to debut Toyota's F1 challenger next year, and Jaguar's De Le Rosa will be interviewed on the central Autosport Stage, sign autographs and take part in the Live Action Arena at the weekend.

They will also visit the show's newly-designed F1 racing Grid, which offers visitors the chance to see an authentic recreation of a typical Grand Prix grid formation.

Finally, pushing their driving skills to the limit, Autosport International will challenge McNish and De La Rosa to beat the best lap times on the show's karting circuit.

The Autosport International 2002 show is open to the public this Saturday and Sunday, with trade access on Thursday and Friday, January 10 and 11.

A special £21 combination ticket reserves entrance to the show and the British Eurosport Live Action Arena, available in advance via the website: www.autosport-international.com, or the ticket hotline: tel, 0870 902 0444.