Recently retired Formula One veteran David Coulthard has been confirmed as part of BBC television’s presenting team for the 2009 F1 season.
The Scot and former team owner Eddie Jordan will be regular pundits as the sport returns to the BBC after a 12-year break. The F1 anchor man will be Jake Humphrey, a former children’s TV presenter who has become the youngest presenter to host Football Focus, Match of the Day and Final Score.
Coulthard’s deal had been widely anticipated; bigger news for race fans will be the appointment of Jonathan Legard as race commentator.
Legard, who was Radio 5 Live’s F1 correspondent from 1997 to 2004, will move from his current role as a football reporter to take up the position; his strong reputation within the industry is said to have played a key role in the BBC’s decision process.
There is no place in the new line-up for ITV commentator James Allen, but the BBC will keep ITV’s pitlane reporter Ted Kravitz and employ A1GP regular Lee McKenzie in a similar role.
As he revealed at the recent Autocar Awards, Martin Brundle will continue as race pundit in 2009.
The BBC is also claiming that Murray Walker will ‘make a return’ in 2009, in an online Q&A forum. Developing F1’s online presence is said to be a major part of the corporation’s deal with the sport’s commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone.
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Re: F1 presenters confirmed for ‘09
It "maybe" interesing to se how the BBC will revamp the F1. I'm not too sure about having ex-F1 people chipping in commentary, i mean how mundane are they when they get interviewed themselves! The commentary team needs to be dynamic, to counter balance the boredom of watching 70+ laps of the fastest car park queue in the world. Maybe Walsh, Cowell et all could do a F1 X-Factor in the pit stops or at the end! Alonso interview... Walsh "I like that last lap, better than the 3rd, your commitment reminded me of a westlife rehearsal i once attended" Cowell "Alonso- I'm sorry, but that last lap just didn't do it for me" Danni (crying) Cheryl "I just love your driving, you definately have the F1 factor" But then its the BBC so maybe it'll be "Strictly come F1" I can see the headline now.."Ecclestone forces Sargent to quit the season, due to popularity at the back of the grid!"
Re: F1 presenters confirmed for ‘09
Indeed, what about Mark Blundell? How can someone with only a vague acquaintance with the English language have a job in the media. Even by the dismal standards of former sportsmen working as pundits, he was a disaster. Made Alan Shearer seem interesting and pertinent.
Re: F1 presenters confirmed for ‘09
I agree about Goodman, what about Mark Blundell?