Tuesday 18 November at 06:26 : Nov.18 (GMM) Martin Brundle has confirmed he will continue to call formula one races for British television in 2009

When the former grand prix driver retired at the end of 1996, he moved into the commentary booth with the independent broadcaster ITV

The exclusive F1 television rights in Britain, however, have changed hands to the BBC for 2009 and beyond, but the award-winning 49-year-old Brundle was tipped to also move from ITV

He confirmed the news as he addressed the Autocar Awards in London on Monday night

"I'm delighted to be able to tell you all that I'll be joining the BBC next year," the Briton, who raced in F1 with McLaren, Williams, Jordan and others, said

"I've been commentating on F1 for the past dozen years and I briefly considered calling it a day, but in the end I decided to take up the BBC's offer and I am now very excited about working for them next year," Brundle added