Villeneuve pulls out of Japanese GP

Former world champion Jacques Villeneuve has dramatically pulled out of Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix.

The 32-year-old Canadian has asked to be released from his contractual obligations just days after being axed by his BAR-Honda team.

Villeneuve’s decision means he could have raced in Formula One for the last time.

BAR boss David Richards told the team in Suzuka on Thursday as they began preparations for the final race of the season.

BAR now look set to replace Villeneuve with Japan’s Takuma Sato, who was confirmed on Tuesday as Jenson Button’s partner for next season.