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Jenson Button to defend Japanese Super GT title in 2019, but will scale back WEC efforts

F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain - Qualifying

NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JULY 07: Former F1 driverJenson Button of Great Britain talks on the fan stage after qualifying for the Formula One Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone on July 7, 2018 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Charles Coates/Getty Images)

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Fresh off his championship in the Japanese Super GT series, Jenson Button is already planning to defend his title next season.

But it will come at a price, somewhat.

According to Autosport.com, to focus more on his Super GT title defense, Button will significantly scale back racing in the World Endurance Championship series.

The 2009 Formula One world champ will miss the WEC rounds at Sebring and Spa, competing only in the season-ending 24 Hours at Le Mans in June for Russian-based SMP Racing.

“It was always clear that it wasn’t going to be easy to combine my participation in the seasons of WEC and Super GT,” Button told AutoSport. “At the same time, to race for SMP Racing - even if I would have to miss certain rounds - is a great opportunity that I couldn’t pass up.”

In addition to his on-track efforts in Super GT and WEC, Button will also make his return to F1 next season, not as a racer but as a TV analyst for Sky Sports.

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