Post by blacktulip on Jan 12, 2011 9:52:43 GMT
MARTIN BRUNDLE will be BBC TV's Voice of Formula One this year, with David Coulthard joining him in the commentary box.
It will be the first time two ex-F1 drivers have shared the task of calling Grand Prix races.
Brundle stepped up to the lead role hours after Jonathan Legard, the main commentator for the past two seasons, announced he was leaving.
Legard's departure is bound to trigger "did he fall or was he pushed" debate over long-standing rumours of a personality clash with popular Brundle.
His approach was also considered irritating by many armchair fans, though he was highly respected in the F1 paddock.
Former Benetton, Tyrrell and McLaren star Brundle retired from F1 in 1997.
He has since forged a successful broadcasting career and is best known for his highly-charged live grid walks before races.
But the shake-up represents his debut as main commentator.
He said: "I'm absolutely delighted and very motivated that BBC Sport has asked me to become the lead F1 commentator alongside David Coulthard.
"We have been friends, rivals and colleagues for 18 years and combined we have driven in more than 400 Grands Prix and attended over 700.
"I've never felt more passionate about Formula One and I can't wait to get started."
Former McLaren and Red Bull ace Coulthard, who quit F1 at the end of 2008, will embark on his third season with the Beeb.
As well as being co-commentator, he will continue to provide expert analysis before and after races.
He has become particularly well known for his occasional spiky exchanges with fellow pundit Eddie Jordan.
Coulthard said: "I'm very excited to be joining forces with Martin in this new role.
"F1 is all about challenging yourself and this will be a big challenge for me, but one that I am looking forward to."
The "two driver" team breaks the tradition of a specialist commentator backed by an expert analyst.
But the BBC's F1 chief Ben Gallop said: "We're always looking for ways to take our Formula One coverage to another level.
"We're keen to make the most of Martin Brundle's wealth of broadcasting experience and his popularity with the audience by giving him the role of lead commentator and putting him alongside David Coulthard, one of the biggest names in British motorsport and a skilled race analyst.
"We want to tap into their combined on-track expertise. Together they will provide our viewers with more immediate discussion, analysis and debate as the action happens."
It will be the first time two ex-F1 drivers have shared the task of calling Grand Prix races.
Brundle stepped up to the lead role hours after Jonathan Legard, the main commentator for the past two seasons, announced he was leaving.
Legard's departure is bound to trigger "did he fall or was he pushed" debate over long-standing rumours of a personality clash with popular Brundle.
His approach was also considered irritating by many armchair fans, though he was highly respected in the F1 paddock.
Former Benetton, Tyrrell and McLaren star Brundle retired from F1 in 1997.
He has since forged a successful broadcasting career and is best known for his highly-charged live grid walks before races.
But the shake-up represents his debut as main commentator.
He said: "I'm absolutely delighted and very motivated that BBC Sport has asked me to become the lead F1 commentator alongside David Coulthard.
"We have been friends, rivals and colleagues for 18 years and combined we have driven in more than 400 Grands Prix and attended over 700.
"I've never felt more passionate about Formula One and I can't wait to get started."
Former McLaren and Red Bull ace Coulthard, who quit F1 at the end of 2008, will embark on his third season with the Beeb.
As well as being co-commentator, he will continue to provide expert analysis before and after races.
He has become particularly well known for his occasional spiky exchanges with fellow pundit Eddie Jordan.
Coulthard said: "I'm very excited to be joining forces with Martin in this new role.
"F1 is all about challenging yourself and this will be a big challenge for me, but one that I am looking forward to."
The "two driver" team breaks the tradition of a specialist commentator backed by an expert analyst.
But the BBC's F1 chief Ben Gallop said: "We're always looking for ways to take our Formula One coverage to another level.
"We're keen to make the most of Martin Brundle's wealth of broadcasting experience and his popularity with the audience by giving him the role of lead commentator and putting him alongside David Coulthard, one of the biggest names in British motorsport and a skilled race analyst.
"We want to tap into their combined on-track expertise. Together they will provide our viewers with more immediate discussion, analysis and debate as the action happens."
