Brian Barwick leaves ITV - the end of James Allen?

Sodemo · 10 Jan 2005, 11:32 (Ref:1197142)

http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns14068.html

GrandPrix.com is reporting that Barwick has left ITV to take a role at the FA leaving a Mr Mark Sharman to take over the role.
Barwick was a supporter of James Allen in F1, however it seems his only supporter in his role as commentator with the rest of the ITV sport staff wanting to replace Allen.

Will he be given the elbow?

**Adam43** · 10 Jan 2005, 11:41 (Ref:1197148)

Without wishing ill I would like to see a replacement. However it is hard to get rid of someone, sometimes it is just easier to continue. Is Barwick a man who wants to improve there program? One assumes he is, as he has the job of doing so. He has a long way to go, but easy gains can be made. IMHO.

N I Tram · 10 Jan 2005, 12:11 (Ref:1197154)

There don't seem to be any James Allen fans on the net either. Ben Edwards would be ideal for the role, as he has that certain character and charisma that the sport's lacked in the last few years, and I'm sure viewing figues would rise as a result. The only issue is whether it'd be worth paying James' contract off.

Silk Cut Jaguar · 10 Jan 2005, 12:35 (Ref:1197178)

I'll wish ill will, James Allen ruins a grand prix weekend for the vast majority of ITV viewers (and the poor souls who get his commentary abroad). The sooner he's replaced, the better.

The downside being I don't think we're that lucky.

Sodemo · 10 Jan 2005, 12:41 (Ref:1197187)

If I remember correctly, I read a couple of months ago there was growing discontent amongst the ITV F1 staff towards J Allen, and that Barwick was his only supporter.

I do hope he is replaced as I think he's an embarrasment.

Alex Hodgkinson · 10 Jan 2005, 12:44 (Ref:1197189)

I know nothing of Ben Edwards, but from your descriptions he sounds far better than Allen... then again that's not much of an achievement is it..?

**Stephen Green** · 10 Jan 2005, 12:44 (Ref:1197190)

Maybe we will see more of the Brundle/Blundell combination with the odd 'guest' commentators thrown in?

N I Tram · 10 Jan 2005, 12:53 (Ref:1197197)

Mark Blundell wouldn't be much better than James Allen for the main commentary role. He's adequate as an expert summariser, but his inability to speak coherent English is infuriating, and he doesn't add as much insight or humour as Martin.

spanner · 10 Jan 2005, 13:10 (Ref:1197217)

But with Ben Edwards being as knowledgable as he is, is Martin Brundle needed? You should have one of them being exciteable and enthusiastic and the other able to offer a technical perspective. Would Ben and Martin 'gel' together????

Kicking-back · 10 Jan 2005, 13:15 (Ref:1197225)

Yes, they would "gel".

Ben is an ideal "lead" commentator - and Brundle an ideal "expert".

Mathias · 10 Jan 2005, 13:27 (Ref:1197246)

Scuse my hignorance, but what's Ben Edwards's background? The name rings a bell but I'm at a loss for what.

Can I throw in my vote against a Brundle/Blundell combination. Apart from it being two drivers - and I do think you need a commentator (professional or "enthusiastic amateur" like Murray) - I agree with the above that Blundell's a good pundit but doesn't have the wit for live-action commentary. Martin, however, is naturally a prerequisite and must not be lost at any cost.

Mathias · 10 Jan 2005, 13:28 (Ref:1197247)

...and for the deity of your choice's sake, please don't promote Ted Kravitz to the box. I mean he's technically pretty knowledgable and he doesn't make you squirm with embarrassment like James Alien, but he's just such an anorak! Sorry, Ted.

Kicking-back · 10 Jan 2005, 13:33 (Ref:1197250)

Ben Edwards commentated on F1 for Eurosport 1995-96, then CART until 2000.

Since then he's mainly done the BTCC for ITV.

**Adam43** · 10 Jan 2005, 13:43 (Ref:1197259)

He also worked for F1digital+ in its short-lived life

**Stephen Green** · 10 Jan 2005, 13:47 (Ref:1197263)

Prior to that Ben was Chief Instructor at Brands Hatch and has raced in many formula during his racng career

Sodemo · 10 Jan 2005, 14:05 (Ref:1197272)

Ben has got a great voice aswell, perfect for motorsport.

Martin Haven is very good and under used.
He does a lot of Eurosport commentry and has reduced me to tears on a few occasions he can be that funny - he did commentry on the 1999 yachow German Hillclimb, and he was just ripping it out of these mad drunken Austrians & Germans in fancy dress trying to ride a motorcross bike up a big hill, then followed the rigged result with the Germans getting the win.

**Tim Falce** · 10 Jan 2005, 14:11 (Ref:1197275)

Ben Edwards would be an excellent choice, I might even start watching F1 again if he was the commentator.

**Stephen Green** · 10 Jan 2005, 14:17 (Ref:1197278)

No one's mentioned Charlie Cox yet!

**Adam43** · 10 Jan 2005, 14:29 (Ref:1197289)

Well I hope he'd get Ben's job when Ben moves to F1.

Kicking-back · 10 Jan 2005, 14:45 (Ref:1197303)

I think Charlie Cox's committments to the BBC for motorbike racing would preclude that

neil_davidson2 · 10 Jan 2005, 15:17 (Ref:1197325)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mathias

please don't promote Ted Kravitz to the box. I mean he's technically pretty knowledgable and he doesn't make you squirm with embarrassment like James Alien, but he's just such an anorak! Sorry, Ted.

Completely agree here.

I think JA was in the same position - he was actually a reasonably good pit reporter, it's only since his ascendance to the main box that his weaknesses as a main commentator have become readily apparent.

Kicking-back · 10 Jan 2005, 15:21 (Ref:1197328)

I wonder if it's only hard core followers like us James annoys...

What do Steven and Marjorie Punter make of him?

**Adam43** · 10 Jan 2005, 15:26 (Ref:1197334)

I don't think they maximum banana him.

neil_davidson2 · 10 Jan 2005, 15:28 (Ref:1197336)

Certainly don't!

A couple of friends of mine who are casual viewers have commentated on the incessant droning from the commentary.

ss_collins · 10 Jan 2005, 15:53 (Ref:1197347)

Everyone wishes for Murray

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