[TV] Who should be the main BBC F1 commentator?

[strider]

Originally Posted by courageous

I quite like what superleague have done this year.
Don't have a fixed team - each race a guest cocommentator alongside brundle, if they are rubbish then it's just for 1 race, if they turn out to be great then sign them up full time for 2012 (think of it as live auditions)

Brundle? I haven't been watching but think you mean Edwards.

[Born Racer]

Originally Posted by Super Hans

I'm not sure Brundle could perform the role of main commentator. He is excellent in his current role but that doesn't necessarily mean he could step across. It isn't as simple as that.

I think he's demonstrated he can, as at times he steps into that role anyway. I also don't think the roles should have to be so clearly defined. The old model of the main commentator and 'expert' is too rigid.

[neil_davidson2]

I voted for Ben E but wouldn't mind Crofty being given a shot at it either.

I think one of the main things both these guys have over Legard and Allen is the actual timbre of their voices as well as their delivery.

Legard & Allen both have fairly low-pitched voices which although being something they can't fix I personally don't think it's suited to the main commentators role in motorsport - and frankly the way they both drone on just helps in sending me to sleep on a Sunday afternoon.

[Super Hans]

Originally Posted by Born Racer

I think he's demonstrated he can, as at times he steps into that role anyway. I also don't think the roles should have to be so clearly defined. The old model of the main commentator and 'expert' is too rigid.

I think the old model works fine. I can't imagine Brundle doing the main commentary any more than I can imagine Andy Gray being the main commentator on the football.

Different roles, different skills.

[calloforion]

Wheres the Carlton Kirby option?

[dyewat808]

Originally Posted by calloforion

Wheres the Carlton Kirby option?

Wonder why that isn't there...

[ECW Dan Selby]

Originally Posted by garcon

Is Legard definitely leaving then? Can't say I object to him too much.

Nah it's certainly not definite.

Selby

[Aysedasi]

Originally Posted by strider

I agree Martin is the best expert or 'colour' commentator but there has to be a main commentator and that's where someone has to come in to replace Legard and for me that person is Ben Edwards.

In that case I'll pick Hindhaugh, in the knowledge that he'd never want the gig anyway - and I do believe that!......

[the sniper]

I've only just noticed, but it's kind of funny to see that the person who is supposedly favourite for the job (if JL doesn't continue) isn't even featured on the poll.

Poor Leigh Diffey...

[strider]

Originally Posted by Aysedasi

In that case I'll pick Hindhaugh, in the knowledge that he'd never want the gig anyway - and I do believe that!......

If Brundle has the power he seems to have, I think he would veto that idea. I'm getting the feeling that it will be Croft, even though he's not he best man for the job in my opinion.

[JamesRamone]

Murray Walker :P

[Woolley]

Originally Posted by neil_davidson2

Legard & Allen both have fairly low-pitched voices which although being something they can't fix I personally don't think it's suited to the main commentators role in motorsport

I think both Ian Titchmarsh and Brian Jones would disagree on that point.

[Austinspace75]

The problem with F1 commentary is that TV producers seem to be obsessed the policy of having 1 x experienced pundit (usually an ex-driver) and 1 x presenter type pundit (usually with a long CV of various media/journalism work). Currently this is in the form of Brundle and Legard. This is probably because they think you'll then always cater for both the lay-person AND the more knowledgeable viewers.

The problem with this formula is it's tired and INTENSLY boring. Inevitably, the driver pundit is much more interesting to EVERYONE than the dull, characterless presenter-bloke (whoever that is at any point in time), and the relationship (and therefore the quality of the conversation) is basically doomed as they have nothing whatsoever in common.

When you break this mould, great things happen - Look at Charlie Cox and Steve Parrish, the immensely popular Moto GP commentary team. Both are ex-racers and both genuinely passionate about the sport itself, not just 'being on the telly'. The insight, interesting conversation, banter and sheer entertainment comes effortlessly because that's what happens when you put essentially like-minded, and passionate people in front of a microphone.

It's so obvious it's painful.

...and that's why I voted for Charlie. Cos he's the only bod there who would fulfill this criteria.

Alternatively, shove Legard back onto the radio (where he so clearly belongs) and stick David Coulthard on with Martin. Now that would be entertaining!

[nickyf1]

John Watson?

[ECW Dan Selby]

Originally Posted by Austinspace75

When you break this mould, great things happen - Look at Charlie Cox and Steve Parrish, the immensely popular Moto GP commentary team. Both are ex-racers and both genuinely passionate about the sport itself, not just 'being on the telly'. The insight, interesting conversation, banter and sheer entertainment comes effortlessly because that's what happens when you put essentially like-minded, and passionate people in front of a microphone.

Really??!

Selby

[Austinspace75]

Originally Posted by ECW Dan Selby

Really??!

Selby

Ok, I agree that whether that popularity is 'immense' is arguable, but they're certainly very well regarded.

..just not by you... or are you just nit-picking?

[DAVID PATERSON]

I agree with austin. The networks seem obsessed with their model, but I reckon the commentary is heaps better if you get rid of the media types and put a couple of ex-racers on the mics.

[JohnMiller]

Richard John Neil - enthusiastic and knowledgeable

[strider]

Originally Posted by DAVID PATERSON

I agree with austin. The networks seem obsessed with their model, but I reckon the commentary is heaps better if you get rid of the media types and put a couple of ex-racers on the mics.

Ben Edwards is an ex-race and a media type. QED.

[gachjoel]

i normally listen to crofty on the red button/5 live commentary on FP 1,2 & 3.
after watching quali 1 & 2 today, i selected audio on the red button n was listening to crofty & davidson, crofty just gave it an edge of excitement to the whole thing

[Steve Milward]

I've punted for Brundle, he has a great wealth of experience and knowledge.

The main thing is to just get rid of Legard with his "Here comes [Insert any drivers name], let's see what he can do"

It drives me insane to listen to the Legard drivel

[nickyf1]

James Allen? Surely he has been in quarantine long enough..

[bella]

i would say it's entirely possible that james allen was the one who voted for james allen

[fourWheelDrift]

Originally Posted by nickyf1

James Allen? Surely he has been in quarantine long enough..

I rate James Allen as a journalist but not as a commentator, to have him back in the seat would be a disservice to JA, the BBC and the fans.

[strider]

Nice thought, but this is one of the polls where you can see who voted for whom and it doesn't stack up - unless he's a prodigious liar!