Oliver WhiteThe BBC today announced that both David Coulthard and Eddie Jordan would be a part of their 2009 broadcast team, adding to the already signed and confirmed Martin Brundle. The news ends speculation about the make-up of the team and has generally been welcomed by fans of the sport in the United Kingdom. Also confirmed is pitlane reporter Ted Kravitz, BBC Radio 5 Live’s Jonathan Legard and Jake Humphrey will be the show’s anchor and presenter.
Jake Humphrey will assume the role that was previously filled by Jim Rosenthal and more recently Steve Ryder, and will host the BBC show. It is still unknown if the broadcast will match ITV’s impressive record of being at the races themselves, or instead from a London Studio. Of course, there are pros and cons to both methods. ITV famously hosted the Monaco Grand Prix show on a boat, leading to many people onboard and at home to suffer a little sea-sickness. ITV also insisted on standing in front of the garages just as the engines were fired up, thus drowning out the conversation. But being at the races adds to the atmosphere of the presentation and brings the sport closer to the viewers at home.
Also confirmed was Jonathan Legard as co-commentator alongside Martin Brundle. Brundle, who has driven in 158 races, will resume his usual role as technical-translator for audiences, while Legard will inject some enthusiasm into the proceedings. Eddie Jordan and David Coulthard, whose knowledge of the sport is almost insurmountable from both a driving and a management perspective, will be involved in the broadcast, taking up similar roles to that of Mark Blundell in recent years.
Ted Kravitz and Lee McKenzie will be the shows pitlane reporters, which has pleased many people as Kravitz has become well-respected in Formula One circles with his insightful information from the teams during races. Lee McKenzie will presumably take on the role formerly filled by Louise Goodman, although as mentioned previously on BlogF1, it will take her a while to build up relationships with teams and drivers before they instantly grant an interview – something Louise did very well, using her background in the sport perfectly.
So all in all, a pretty good line-up. I think I will miss Lousie Goodman as she was pretty good at nabbing interviews when so many other reporters appeared to fail. But obviously Brundle will be good, as will Legard. Jordan and Coulthard can speak their minds and Ted can be as insightful as ever. The only real unknown to me is Jake Humphrey, but as the anchor, his job is probably the least critical.
Jake Humphrey as lead anchor for BBC F1 coverage? Not sure, but Eddie Jordan and David Coulthard should be good – and no James Allen!
I won’t lie, I will raise a glass to that. As a blogger though, he isn’t all that bad. Credit where it’s due, I’m a subscriber.
Yep for some reason Allen is much better in print than when speaking! Quite glad to see he is continuing in F1 in some form or another – F1 Racing perhaps?
I think the BBC coverage will still be based at the racetrack as I’m sure DC has said elsewhere he intends to be at every race next year.
Out of all that, I’m quite pleased about Ted Kravitz – his insights prove very useful, and quite entertaining at that. He seems like a genuine fan of the sport. I still remember when he was interviewing Martin Whitmarsh once, and I’m sure he called Ted, Jack, or something similar, Ted seemed jovial enough to brush it off, but in his mind, I’m sure he wanted to thwack him one!
I actually found Louise Goodman fairly irritating – but that’s just down to personal preference – she was good at her job though, no qualms about that.
Seems like a good team so far – some unknown quantities, but should make for interesting viewing.
i wonder if they’ll do some kind of preview show?
it would be a shame if the first time we see everyone in action, it’s 4am for melbourne qually.
No way, that’s the best time. Just as it was in 1997…
*Ollie turns on TV, hits 1 on his remote control*…
…”WTF? Where’s Formula One?”
“Oh, yeah, ITV! That’s like number 3, I think!?”
“Who the hell are you? Jim who? Where’s Murray? Where the goddamn is Murray Walker? Oh, hi Murray. Can we get on with the show now? Ta!”
But a preview show might be nice, I do admit. I think ITV did one with all the grid in one studio. At the time I didn’t think anything of it. But looking back, that was quite the feat, considering the schedules of F1 drivers. (I think Bernie may have had a word somewhere along the line…)
did not know that. what an achievement.
It was at about the same time that Giancarlo Fisichella appeared on the National Lottery show in Jordan overalls (Hill had just won the championship, so it was similar to Lewis/F1 fever (Hill/F1 fever down a few notches)) but Fisi could hardly speak a word of English. I think it was Bruce Forsyth who was hosting, and to each stupid question Bruce asked, Fisi answered “I am so proud to be driving for Jordan. I hope to do well.” Ah, bless his little cotton socks!
So far so good. Now, how do I get around the geo-coding so I can watch all of this wonderful stuff on line?????
I’ll re-write my F1-Online post nearer the time and keep you updated with new, erm, you know, ways and means. I’ll keep you posted around early-March time. 🙂
Murray was on Radio 2 today saying that the BBC will send a video crew to his house on the Monday after each race and he will record a review of the race and a preview of the next one to be shown online. He is also going to try and answer questions from the fans.