Oxfordshire's Bradley Smith is set to take on Formula 1 championship leader Jenson Button at the London Triathlon.

The 18-year-old 125cc rider issued the challenge to the driver from Brackley's Brawn GP team after Lewis Hamilton declined to take part in Sunday's race.

"When I met Jenson I told him straight away that 'Lewis won't race you but I will'," said Smith

"I've made sure I'm in the same wave start time as Jenson so we really get to battle head to head."

He added: "Jenson has been really good about it and we've been swapping the odd text in the build-up to the race."

The pair met at last month's British Grand Prix at Silverstone and Button is taking part in aid of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Button commented: "I have been taking part in triathlons over the past couple of years as a way of keeping fit for my racing. This year I am aiming to finish in the top 10 % of the London Triathlon, so no pressure."

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