Australia's national broadcaster ABC reported that former Formula One world champion Alan Jones died after a brief illness. (Reuters pic)SYDNEY: Alan Jones, one of only two Australians to win the Formula One world championship, died on Thursday just days after his 80th birthday, reports said.

Jones won 12 Grands Prix across his career and became world title-holder in 1980, joining Jack Brabham as the only Australians to have done so.

Jones - whose birthday was on Monday - died after a brief illness, national broadcaster ABC said.

"We are extremely saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Alan, who passed away on Nov 5 following a short illness," said a statement released on behalf of his wife Amanda Butler-Davis, according to ABC.