How to commentate on motorsport: an expert guide

I lay out a few sheets of paper on the desk; a circuit map, the grid formation and a handwritten A4 document that I created the night before, summarising key facts relevant to this race. Alongside, my plastic-sleeved folder contains extensive research; I spend a couple of days a week updating and honing the information, some of it coming from dedicated statistical experts in the world of F1. 

Before fitting the headphones, I’ll do some warm up exercises and voice preparation. I remember seeing Murray Walker do the same in 1995 when we were both commentating on F1 in separate but transparent booths. Murray was a true inspiration to me and his recent loss was a very sad moment. I copy his technique of standing when commentating to provide the breath and energy required at key moments. 

Like him, I prefer to use a handheld lip-microphone. Thankfully I have never had to share the specific item as Murray did with James Hunt, although a technical problem in Brazil one year had John Watson and me wrestling over a standard old fashioned cable telephone as we voiced the action. 

Through the headset I can hear the producer of the show counting down to the titles. And then I’m off, absorbing information from pictures and sharing it with those watching. My peripheral vision picks up alerts on timing screens, I’m constantly aware of the need to stop talking when team radio bursts into life and every sense in my body is working to absorb and distribute information.

Motor races can be endlessly fascinating or sometimes rather dull and it is those which require me to dig deep and create an energy that is not being stimulated by track action. That doesn’t mean false excitement; my aim is to come up with stories and information that keep fans engaged. That’s when my extensive notes become useful. 

The last lap creates a high point with celebrations of race victory. Enveloped by the buzz, I rattle through the podium festivities, then suddenly it is all over and within minutes my adrenalin levels have dropped, I’m hungry and need to sit down, hopefully with a sense of fulfilment but not always.

In August 1998 I was commentating on Champ Cars at Mid Ohio from a booth mounted on the back of a truck with minimal views. Reigning champion Alex Zanardi was having a tough weekend and trying to work his way up through the field.

Suddenly our power supply failed and we lost all the screens yet my voice was still transmitting. At precisely that moment Zanardi went off at Turn One and I was just waffling. Back home my wife was shouting at the screen ‘But Zanardi is OFF! What are you looking at Ben?’ The answer was virtually nothing. I made a note in my diary that night; ‘Race didn’t go well for me - we lost electricity and thus pictures and timing. Didn’t feel on top of it…’ 

Self criticism has always driven me; comments on social media are just like clouds passing in the sky. It’s what comes from within that counts.