BBC TV announces 2009 F1 commentary team

The BBC’s five-year deal to broadcast F1—which includes rights to TV, radio, internet and mobile (2009-2013 inclusive)—starts with next year’s Australian Grand Prix. Heading the broadcast team will be Jake Humphrey (pictured above left). Race commentary will come from Jonathan Legard, with Martin Brundle continuing his expert comments role. Joining Humphrey to chew the fat before and after each race will be David Coulthard and Eddie Jordan.

Pit lane commentary will be provided by Ted Kravitz (former ITV) and Lee McKenzie.

Murray Walker is back too, although in a special internet only role. He will provide regular observations on BBC’s website

Looks like a good lineup, made all the better by the simple fact that there is no f**king James Allen! F1 fans the world over will be delighted with that news. However, AUSmotive insiders inform us that Eddie Jordan could be just as excitable about the exploits of young Lewis. Let’s hope not.

BBC Sport today announces its presentation team for the 2009 Formula One (F1) season

24 November 2008

The team includes Jake Humphrey, David Coulthard, Eddie Jordan, Martin Brundle, Jonathan Legard, Lee McKenzie and Ted Kravitz.

Having worked at Euro 2008 and the Beijing Olympics, Humphrey will be anchoring the BBC’s coverage alongside pundits and F1 legends David Coulthard and Eddie Jordan.

Commentary will come from BBC Radio 5 Live’s Jonathan Legard and former F1 driver and award-winning broadcaster Martin Brundle.

The BBC is also delighted to welcome back Murray Walker to F1 broadcasting.

Walker will be a regular presence on the BBC Sport website, offering his expert insight and passionate perspective on the Grand Prix action and interacting with F1 fans online.

Finally, reporters Lee McKenzie and Ted Kravitz form the pit crew, bringing all of the interviews and action from the pits.

Niall Sloane, BBC, Head of Formula One, said: “We have put a fantastic team together and are delighted to be able to offer a comprehensive and engaging Formula One experience.

“This is an exciting sport and we are very much looking forward to next year.”

David Coulthard commented on his new role: “After 15 seasons competing in Formula One my passion for the sport is still very much alive, and therefore I was delighted to be given the opportunity to share my views and experiences through the BBC’s coverage of F1.

“Many of the BBC team are known to me already, and for those members new to F1 I look forward to building on the established audience of F1 fans in the UK.”

The BBC has a five-year deal to broadcast F1, which will run from 2009 to 2013 inclusive, and includes exclusive rights to TV, radio, full broadband and mobile.

Further details on BBC Sport’s plans for the forthcoming season will be revealed at a press briefing early in the new year.