Blundell to combine racing and media in 2002.

Former F1 driver Mark Blundell announced his motorsport plans for 2002 over the weekend, with a line up which combines racing and media.

His plans are led by an expanded MG programme, in addition to a regular studio F1 expert role with ITV for the 2002 FIA Formula One coverage and regular presenter duties for Carlton Television's Pulling Power Series.

Le Mans 24 Hour race will be the focus for Blundell's on track activities as he renews his partnership with MG and the X Power brand to contest this celebrated race and leads the six driver line up with the MG Lola EX257 sportscar as they aim for victory and Blundell attempts to win a second Le Mans title.

His role with the famous British marque has also been broadened as he takes on the position of Ambassador for the MG brand, promoting and advising the company on its various motorsport activities.

The Brit is also set to lead the debate and discussion during the Formula One race weekends, as he joins Jim Rosenthal and Tony Jardine in the ITV F1 studios for the qualifying and race day previews and post mortems, throughout the season.

Blundell will also be presenting a number of features for Pulling Power, Carlton Television's automotive and motorsport magazine show, as he profiles new cars, drives classic models from the past and takes on high adrenalin motor experiences for this popular programme.

"It's going to be a busy, exciting and hopefully, fun, year," said Blundell. "I'm proud to be Ambassador for MG's motorsport programme and I plan to be very proactive in flying the flag for them and supporting the companies' efforts in the various categories of racing in which they are competing."

"My ITV F1 role is continuing this season. I'm planning to use all my race knowledge and experience to compliment Jim and Tony. After gaining a year in the studio, I've developed my own role and expect to be putting my views across for each race - however contentious they may be! Pulling Power is great fun too. I've taken some great cars out for a spin - often literally! - and have been able to try out new types of driving. I enjoyed my first experience in a rally car although it was pretty hairy at times, and I've now got total respect for the rally drivers."

"All in all, it's set to be a good year for me. I'd like to be out on the race track as much as possible and when I'm not, I'll be happy to be in front of the camera. I'm in the unique position of being a professional driver and gaining experience within broadcasting, which is opening up many new opportunities for me. There are a number of exciting projects both on and off track, which are at the planning stage at the moment, but I will be announcing them later this year."