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FORMULA ONE: Jenson Button 'to retire before this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix'

2009 world champion ready to end his 16-year GP career after becoming unhappy racing in a non-competitive McLaren car

FORMULA ONE: Jenson Button 'to retire before this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix'

Former F1 world champion will retire from Grand Prix racing before this weekend's Japanese GP, according to a report.

The Daily Telegraph are reporting that the 35-year-old Englishman is ready to call time on his 16-season career as he is unhappy at racing in a non-competitive car.

He had been in negotiations with McLaren to extend his contract but is now expected to combine a media career - possibly in BBC TV's revamped Top Gear programme - with a sportscar drive in the Le Mans-style World Endurance Championship.

He won the championship in 2009, has 15 GP victories and 50 podiums to his name, as well as 278 race starts, making him the third most experienced driver of all time.