Lagardère Unlimited sign record breaking driver Tom Blomqvist on a multi-year deal

Lagardère Unlimited, the sport industry and entertainment company of the Lagardère Group, has today made its first move into the world of motorsport driver management by signing Tom Blomqvist.

British racing driver Tom Blomqvist, the son of Swedish rally legend Stig, is one of the brightest prospects to have emerged from the junior motorsport scene in recent years. Despite being just 16-years old, Tom has made an instant impact by winning the 2010 Formula Renault UK drivers’ title, as well as setting a new record for being the youngest driver ever to do so – he eclipses the likes of F1 World Champions Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Raikkonen who won the Championship aged 18 and 20 respectively.

Tom’s 2010 successes also include being shortlisted for the prestigious McLaren Autosport BRDC award, for which the winner receives an official test drive in a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 car as part of the prize. As with Formula Renault UK, he would also become the youngest ever driver to win the award.

“We are delighted to be representing Tom Blomqvist as a Lagardère Unlimited client, and look forward to working with such a remarkable individual with such amazing talent,” said Lawrence Frankopan, President of Lagardère Unlimited UK. “It is a credit to Lagardère’s unrivalled reputation that such a coveted young driver has chosen to be represented by our organization on a long-term agreement. We have a world-class team in place to guide Tom to his goal of Formula 1, and we’re now firmly focused on making this happen” added Frankopan.

“2010 has been a key point in my career,” said Blomqvist. “Lagardère Unlimited has extremely impressive credentials as is highlighted by their management of some of sports biggest stars. I’m delighted to be represented by them.” Tom continued, “I have learnt so much this year, but I promise you this is just the beginning. I am 100% committed to getting to the top of this industry and repaying the hard work, time and money my management team are investing in me.”

As part of the deal, Lagardère Unlimited will join forces with Nurtured Momentum who currently manage Tom’s driving and personal commitments. The deal also includes a partnership to represent and manage other prospects within junior motorsport. By bringing together Lagardère’ Unlimited’s expertise in talent management and Nurtured Momentum’s expertise in driver development, the partnership is set to provide a unique offering for the brightest stars in junior motorsport.

“It is an honour to be joining forces with a global institution like Lagardère,” said Yatin Patel, Managing Director of Nurtured Momentum. “As a combined force we are confident that we will offer an unrivalled, turn-key management service. Tom exemplifies the kind of talent we are looking to work with: a young man who is both immensely skilled and completely focused on achieving his ambitions. The future looks very exciting.”

Tom’s Career To Date:

• 2003 – 2008: KARTING, EIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP TITLES
• 2009: FORMULA RENAULT NEZ, 3RD PLACE, 2 RACES, 1 PODIUM
• 2009: FORMULA RENAULT SWEDEN, 3RD PLACE, 1 WIN, 5 PODIUMS
• 2009: FORMULA RENAULT UK WINTER CUP, 2 RACES, 2 WINS, 2 FASTEST LAPS
• 2010: FORMULA RENAULT UK, CHAMPION, 20 STARTS, 14 FRONT ROW QUALIFICATIONS, 3 WINS, 12 PODIUMS, 7 FASTEST LAPS