Former Formula One racer Mark Blundell admits he has faced a steep learning curve since turning his driving skills to rallying.

The 36-year-old wants to compete in next month's Network Q Rally of Great Britain, the final round of the World Championship.

Blundell's intensive schedule of testing for the event in the treacherous Welsh forests will see him compete in this weekend's South of England Tempest Stages in Hampshire.

But after getting behind the wheel of the MG ZR in last weekend's Bulldog Rally, the Essex-born racer, pictured, admits he has had to pick up new skills - including learning to change a wheel.

"After a great day at the Bulldog Rally, I've now got the bit between my teeth and I'm relishing the challenge of the Tempest Stages," said Blundell, who competed in 61 Grands Prix between 1991 and 1995.

"By the end of the day, I was gaining more and more confidence in the car and myself, so I'm looking to building on this in the Tempest.

"It's been a steep learning curve, but having achieved my objective of completing all six stages last week.

"I'm going into this event with the grounding and experience to start pushing harder with the MG ZR and get the maximum potential from this great little car. "Rallying is a new departure for me in my racing career, but one that I am thoroughly enjoying.

"I've had to adapt my driving style and even had to learn to change a wheel quickly, although I don't think I managed to do this as quickly as the F1 mechanics!

"It's mentally and physically challenging, exciting and full of action. I'm looking forward to getting in the car again and trying out the rally tracks in Aldershot and Farnborough."

Blundell, looking to compete in the Rally of Great Britain with the MG XPower team, drove for Brabham, Ligier, Tyrrell and then McLaren where he replaced Nigel Mansell in 1995. Now a pundit on ITV's Formula One programme, Blundell then moved to Champ Cars in the United States with great success.