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27 February 2006

McLaren Mercedes test driver Gary Paffett has become the latest addition to the 2MB management company of former F1 drivers Martin Brundle and Mark Blundell.

Paffett, the reigning DTM champion, joins British F3 racer Mike Conway, first year Champ Car Atlantic driver Tim Bridgman and teenage karter Will Stevens in the 2MB line-up with the deal bringing to an end the long standing relationship Paffett had enjoyed with Martin Hines who had guided the 24-year-old through the ranks from his time in karting.

"It has been a fantastic journey, I don't believe that anyone before has taken a young cadet driver from karting right through to F1,” Hines said. “Gary is one of those 'Blue Moon' things, something very special!

"As Gary moves into his deserved F1 role he would need more and more of my time and either he or the 'Young Guns' would lose out. I have enjoyed more than 20 years of helping young drivers so I will continue to work with the Zip Kart Young Guns and leave Gary in the capable hands of Martin Brundle and Mark Blundell, who I know will do him proud."

Paffett himself admitted that he was hopeful that the experience of Brundle and Blundell will help him make the grade in F1 – although he also took time to refect on the relationship he has enjoyed with Hines since he was young.

"I would like to sincerely thank Martin Hines for the guidance and opportunity he has given to me since I was 11 years old; we have won many races and championships together,” he said. “The shared goal of succeeding in Formula One has now become a reality and the significant F1 knowledge and experience that Martin and Mark have will be invaluable to me."

Paffett becomes the biggest name so far to sign-up with 2MB for the coming season, with Blundell and Brundle both pleased to have acquired his signature.

"I have known Gary and Martin for many years and we all share a strong belief in Gary 's potential,” Brundle said. “Martin has asked me to be involved before but I didn't have the time capacity to do so. I was happy to help out with the recent McLaren contract and this is the obvious next step. Martin Hines has done a great job for Gary to get him this far."