Former world champion Jacques Villeneuve has pulled out of Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix.
The 32-year-old Canadian asked to be released from his contractual obligations just days after being axed by his BAR-Honda team.
BAR boss David Richards told the team in Suzuka today as they began preparations for the final race of the season.
BAR are expected to replace Villeneuve with Japan's Takuma Sato, who was confirmed on Tuesday as Jenson Button's partner for next season.