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07 January 2009

Mark Blundell has revealed that he is to become the sole owner of 2MB Sports Management after business partner - and former ITV colleague - Martin Brundle decided to devote more time to his burgeoning television career.

The pair established 2MB in 2004, looking after drivers Gary Paffett, Mike Conway and Will Stevens, but Brundle has decided that, following his move to the BBC's F1 coverage for 2009, he will concentrate on his media commitments and leave 2MB in Blundell's hands.

"As I move to the BBC for 2009 and beyond, it is the right moment to review my future plans," Brundle admitted, "Given that my new TV colleague David Coulthard, who's driving contracts I negotiated for eleven seasons, has also retired from the cockpit, I have decided to step back from all driver management in order to focus fully on my own career, and that of my son, Alex, who competes in F2 this year."

Having had the chance to sample grand prix machines of various vintages for last season's build-up to the British GP, and also having taken on his son and others in the Spa-Francorchamps round of the 2008 Formula Palmer Audi championship, Brundle admits that he still yearns to get back behind the wheel, but plans to return to Le Mans with Blundell appear to have been put on the backburner for good.

"I still have a desire to drive competitively again if the right opportunities arise, and there are also many personal and family adventures I want to explore," he revealed, "I have enjoyed immensely working closely with Mark and the young drivers, and I wish them all well for the future."

Blundell confirmed that, having not been hired by the BBC to continue his on-screen partnership with Brundle, he would continue to oversee the careers of 2MB's established clients, but admitted that he was keen to expand the business in the coming season.

"I thank Martin for his invaluable input and will continue to lean on his vast experience from time to time, but I now have more time to dedicate to the business and look forward to taking on some new drivers alongside an already talented stable of young guys," he announced, "The company will continue to operate under the name 2MB Sports Management and look to build on the foundations already in place."