[TV] Commentators for the BBC 2009

[Thundersports]

My first thought to the great news was who will commentate my preferance would be Ben Edwards/Martin Brundle with Steve Ryder anchoring and Suzi Perry in the pits.

ps Hope they use "The Chain" as the programme theme!

[Born Racer]

I don't see Suzi Perry doing it, as apparantly she is not interested in car racing.

[Chatters]

The Stig should make regular guest appearances.

[Peter Mallett]

I don't think this deserves a separate thread in F1 so moving to Armchair.

[Knowlesy]

Ben Edwards. Ben Edwards. Ben Edwards.

Brundle alongside.

Rider as anchorman, possibly with Damon Hill.

Pitlane reporter, err....

[Stephen Green]

Martin Brundle with Charlie Cox!

[Tim Falce]

Originally Posted by Thundersports

ps Hope they use "The Chain" as the programme theme!

Why would we want a 31 year old tune to head a 21st century race series, It's old hat and been done to daeth, lets have a change for the better. Just dont let the producers of "GT Racer" choose the theme.

[M Greenslade]

Dave Vass for commentator!!!!!!

Bladders

[Tim 27]

Mick Fleetwood and Sam Fox in the studio.
Or maybe Sharon Osbourne and Danni Minogue in the studio, Jacques Villeneuve as the expert with Ozzy Osbourne in the pits?

Joking aside, would be great to see Ben Edwards alongside Martin Brundle, with maybe Kevin Piper as the studio host (he knows a lot more about motorsport than most realise, and certainly more than Mr Rosenthal).

Please, Please, Please Auntie Beeb, no James Allen...

[Ralf's Girl]

I've never heard Ben Edwards commentate, but apparently he's rather good...I don't think many people could be worse than James Allen. Brundle is a must-have - I actually find it difficult to imagine the F1 coverage without him after so many years.

I'd like to see Damon Hill in the analysis role that Mark Blundell currently does for ITV - not sure whether he's too busy rescuing Silverstone, though. I'll be interested to see whether Steve Rider goes back to the BBC or not - he only left quite recently but it doesn't seem as if ITV have much sports coverage to offer him now.

[kipper]

l would hope that Martin Brundle remains as commentator and it would be nice if he were to be joined by Charlie Cox. If David Coulthard finishes in F1 this season, then that would be a good choice for the pundits role. A good alternative would be Allan McNish if his sportscar commitments can be accomodated. In the anchor role, I can see BBC Sport placing one of their current presenters.

[f1manoz]

Martin Brundle has to be part of the deal. Ben Edwards would be a sound investment, but frankly anyone is better than James Allen.

As for host, get someone with a bit of knowledge and who doesn't just read from an auto-cue.

[Knowlesy]

How can anyone have not heard Ben Edwards commentate, ever? He's done pretty much everything, I'm sure you've heard him at some point! You probably just don't remember because he didn't annoy the hell out of you.

[duke_toaster]

Martin Haven commentating, Brundle as the second commenator. Tiff Needell as the second analyst or Johnny Herbert. Ted Kravitz or Gareth Jones as the pit monkey (we don't need two). Jake Humphry could do the main presenting, something about Steve Rider is just rather annoying (but not in the James Allen sense).

[ScotsBrutesFan]

Ben Edwards and Martin Brundle in the commentary box

Lee McKenzie and Simon Hill in the pitlane

Steve Rider (tempted with 2012 Olympic Anchorman role) and guest experts rotating perhaps a couple of races each... Damon Hill, Eddie Irvine, Nigel Mansell, Allan McNish etc.

Should GP2 come along with this package then Lee McKenzie presents with Simon Hill as main commentator on this.

[touringlegend]

Originally Posted by Knowlesy

How can anyone have not heard Ben Edwards commentate, ever? He's done pretty much everything, I'm sure you've heard him at some point! You probably just don't remember because he didn't annoy the hell out of you.

True. Still I don't see the huge fascniation with Ben Edwards, although I do agree, a good commentator.

I'm not keen on Charlie Cox. Of course he did start on on touring cars for the BBC, but any time I hear him on Moto GP I think he's changed for the worse.

[redshoes]

The Times think Richard Hammond is favourite to front the coverage.

What about John Hindhaugh as commentator?

[Super Hans]

I'd have to agree with an Edwards / Brundle commentary team. I think Louise Goodman is alright, so I'd have her in the pitlane reporter role. As for the theme tune, it could go three ways.

1. The Chain by Fleetwood Mac (Great)
2. Something else - (Fair enough, I suppose)
3. The Chain 00s Remix by Fleetwood Mac feat. Paul Oakenfold - (Disaster)

[Knowlesy]

Yep, Hammond is being touted as the new face of F1.

[touringlegend]

Now...I'd swap RH for James Allen.

Hammond's ok on Top Gear where it's scripted and is told what to say by Jeremy Clarkson.

[Asp]

However much I'd like to see it, I'd be very surprised if Ben Edwards was able to take on the commentary. Now he's got A1GP commitments, I can also see him contracted in to the BTCC, and he's got his own business to run.

Martin Haven's also been frequently suggested - but personally I can't see it. I don't know why, as I do think he's a great commentator, but I just don't think it would quite 'gel', and from watching the other commentary I think Martin fits in better with a more laid-back, less high-profile style that suits Eurosport.
Mind you, perhaps the man himself can wander into this thread and tell us himself if he'd want the gig or not!

Realistically, I think David Crofts promotion from 5Live is very likely. It wouldn't leave an unfillable gap on the radio, as Maurice Hamilton has moved from analyser to lead commentator with great success in the past; and I think David's skill would transfer to TV without a problem.

[nickyf1]

Originally Posted by falcemob

Why would we want a 31 year old tune to head a 21st century race series, It's old hat and been done to daeth, lets have a change for the better.

Why change it? It is an iconic tune that would be best suited to F1 on the BBC, they even used this same tune for the GP Masters inaugrual race at Kyalami and, if i am not mistaken, for the WRC at one point. Think of those other iconic tunes like the Snooker and Match of the day, not that I watch them or anything, but these are examples of tunes that have been going for years. The Chain and F1 just seem to go, It ould definately be a change from this Moby crap that is on just now....

[Tim Falce]

Who or what is Moby?

[redshoes]

The difference is that the theme tune for Match of the Day has had a continuous run. The Chain hasn't been used in F1 context for a dozen years, which means there's good proportion of the audience for whom it would mean nothing.

I used to like Brundle but after the Aussie GP I think he's beginning to let personal business influence his commentary. When DC crashed Brundle struggled to find a away to avoid blaming him. I got the impression if it was any other driver he would have been a lot more direct in his judgement.

[Sodemo]

I doubt Martin Haven would consider it, though it might be worth asking him, he usually hangs around the WTCC forum on race weekends...