Paffett joins 2MB management

The reigning DTM champion has made the move after years of being looked after by Martin Hines, and comes amid speculation that he could be in the frame for a race seat at McLaren in 2007 if both Juan Pablo Montoya and Kimi Raikkonen leave the team.

Hines has given Paffett's move his full blessing, as he felt he could not give the British driver the attention he will need to make the step up in F1 because of his involvement in the 'Young Guns' karting team.

Paffett said: "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.

"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."

Brundle added: "I have known Gary and Martin for many years and we all share a strong belief in Gary 's potential. 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."

Brundle and Blundell are also looking after British Formula Three driver Mike Conway, Formula Atlantic hopeful Tim Bridgman and karter Will Stevens.