UPDATE 1-Soccer-Briatore resigns as QPR chairman

* Briatore steps down, remains shareholder

* Quits to focus energy on other areas

* Steel tycoon Mittal increases stake in club (adds details, quotes, byline)

By Tom Pilcher

LONDON, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Flavio Briatore stepped down as chairman of Championship (second division) team Queens Park Rangers on Friday, the club said in a statement.

"I'm proud to have helped save this historical club and to have contributed in paving the way to its future success," the 59-year-old Italian told QPR's website (www.qpr.co.uk).

Flamboyant former Renault team boss Briatore has spent almost 2-1/2 years at the club, having joined forces with Formula One supremo Ecclestone and steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal to take it over in 2007 and help bring financial stability.

However, results on the pitch have been disappointing with QPR 19th in the standings, just one point above the relegation zone having lost their last five league games.

"Although my commitment to the club remains unchanged, I now feel the need to focus my energies into other fields," added Briatore, who will remain a QPR shareholder.

Briatore, who was banned for life from Formula One after his involvement in a plot to rig the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix but got the decision overturned, is likely to face an appeal by the International Automobile Federation (FIA).

Ishan Saksena, previously the west London club's managing director, is taking over as chairman of QPR Holdings Limited while former club chairman Gianni Paladini, who became sporting director when Briatore arrived, will resume his former duties.

Mittal's family has taken the opportunity to increase its shareholding in the club.

(Editing by Ken Ferris. To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)