Blundell moves close to joining Prost.

Former grand prix star Mark Blundell looks set to rejoin the team he drove for in 1993, if he can agree terms to become the test and development driver for the Prost outfit.

Blundell raced for the Prost team - then known as Ligier - eight years ago, approaching the end of an F1 career which eventually saw him transfer his abilities to the US CART scene with some success. He was previously a test driver with both Williams and McLaren, without ever getting the break his talent deserved.

Now, with his seat at PacWest being taken by New Zealand rookie Scott Dixon after a disappointing season with Mercedes power, Blundell is looking to recross the Atlantic and hook up again with the grand prix scene.

"I can confirm we've had some conversations," he told Crash.Net, "It's a situation I'd like to get in to - developing a car. I've done it for two big teams and would have signed for one if the timing hadn't been slightly out.

"It is a thing for me that I would like to do, but it must have some attractions... some draw. I don't want to pound around if there is no benefit."

Blundell last raced in F1 in 1995 when he was with the McLaren team. He made his F1 debut in 1991 with the Brabham team, and went on to race for Tyrrell and Ligier, before finally joining the Woking based team in 1995 to partner Mika Hakkinen.

Blundell made 61 starts in his grand prix career and scored 32 points. His best finishes were two third places - one in 1993 with Ligier and the other with Tyrrell in 1994.

Whatever happens with Prost though Blundell is guaranteed a part in F1 this year with British broadcaster ITV, where he will be a studio guest alongside Tony Jardine for ten races, including his seasonal debut at the Australian GP.

"I have been in contact with people there since I filled in for [Martin] Brundle at Montreal [two years ago]," he explained, "The door opened up before Christmas, and I thought 'why not'. I enjoyed the first one, but I want to get my own angle - build up my own relationships. It's a challenge, but something I've always been thinking about."

Asked if he planned to slow down and retire - in short 'do a Brundle', Blundell was adamant that he was not done with racing just yet.

"I've still got a few years racing in me yet - I'm only 34 years old," he pointed out, "This is just a transitional year."

We look forward to seeing him back on the circuit soon then.....