DC in BBC F1 reshuffleposted in F112 | 01 | 2011
THE SOUND of Formula One on BBC will change this year when David Coulthard joins Martin Brundle, somewhat controversially, in the commentary box. The BBC have dumped Jonathan Legard after two years leading the commentary and elevated Brundle to the top slot. In something of a brave move, Coulthard has been elevated to the principal analyist and co-commentator.
I doubt I'm the only person to feel this, but I'm slightly concerned about the changes, not least the fact Brundle managed DC through much of his racing career at Williams, McLaren and red Bull. Is it a case of jobs for the boys? Well, as the BBC's F1 coverage goes HD (see earlier story) now's the time for the Scot to prove his worth on the media stage.
There's no denying Coulthard (pictured) has improved in his two years in front of the camera in the pitlane; and he'll certainly be glad to be spending less time with motormouth and self-publicist Eddie Jordon. Coulthard will, still, take part in the pre-race build-up, but how will he cope when it comes to live commentary?
Brundle — who retired from F1 racing in 1997 — we all acknowledge, is a natural. His pitlane walkabout before any grand prix is a 'must see', and his performances in front of camera have always appeared natural and easy on the ear. Coulthard meanwhile, despite all his media training, still has something of a robotic, stiflled air. Listening to him doing a one-to-one interview with a driver last season was painful.
It has to be hoped he'll loosen up when he's locked into the commentary box with his old mate Martin. Viewers were quick to criticise Legard's commentary style — he'd previously been a great success covering F1 for Radio Five Live, but we eventually deemed 'not right' for TV — so it will be interesting to hear the feedback once DC picks up his microphone.
The Scot though admitted to being chuffed at his elevation; it's the first time the BBC had decided to put two former racing drivers into the commentary box, so the move is rather controversial.
"I'm very excited to be joining forces with Martin in this new role of co-commentator," Coulthard, who won 13 grands prix, admitted. "F1 is all about challenging yourself and this will be a big challenge for me, but one that I am looking forward to. There is a great team on the BBC F1 show and we're looking forward to the year ahead and to bringing something new to our loyal viewers."
And while Brundle was equally "delighted" at being named 'lead F1 commentator'", Ben Gallop, the BBC's Head of F1, stated he was comfortable the new partnership would work.
"We're always looking for ways to take our Formula 1 coverage to another level, and for 2011 we have an exciting new combination in the commentary box," he explained. "We're keen to make the most of Martin's wealth of broadcasting experience and his popularity with the audience by giving him the role of lead commentator and putting him alongside David, 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. The results of screen tests have been very impressive and we are convinced this combination will deliver a fantastic commentary for our audience for what promises to be a thrilling 2011 season."
We'll get our first illustration of just how good the duo are when the F1 season gets underway in Bahrain with the opening grand prix on March 13.
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Jim McGill