BBC announces full F1 presenting line-up for 2012

January 12, 2012   ·   4 Comments

The BBC has announced the full Formula 1 presenting line-up for the 2012 season on BBC One and BBC Radio 5 Live.

Jake Humphrey will remain as presenter, alongside chief analyst Eddie Jordan and co-commentator David Coulthard, while Ben Edwards joins as commentator. Experienced F1 car designer Gary Anderson has been recruited as technical analyst, while Lee McKenzie continues as pit-lane reporter.

Former ITV F1 commentator James Allen becomes the voice of F1 on Radio 5 live and is joined by Jennie Gow as radio pit-lane reporter.

Ben Edwards has a wealth of motorsport commentary experience, having previously commentated on F1 for Eurosport and the short lived F1 Digital channel.  He has also commentated for Sky Sports on the A1 Grand Prix and most recently on the British Touring Car Championship for ITV.

Edwards said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the BBC F1 team. It’s a dream come true to be broadcasting from grands prix all over the world with such a prestigious broadcaster and such a talented group of people.

“My first stint as commentator coincided with David Coulthard’s first season in F1 as a driver, so I am relishing the opportunity to work with him now in conveying the drama, excitement and passion that is wrapped up in each and every event.

“The prospects for the 2012 season are tremendous, with Lewis Hamilton out for revenge, Ferrari determined to give Fernando Alonso a car worthy of him and Sebastian Vettel attempting to become only the third driver in history to score a hat-trick of titles.”

Gary Anderson had a 13-year career as an F1 technical director, starting with Jordan in 1991 before moving to the Stewart and Jaguar teams, before returning to Jordan.

He started his career in the 1970s, graduating to become Brabham’s chief mechanic, before moving on to McLaren and then designing cars in other areas of motorsport before joining Jordan for their debut F1 season in 1991.

Since leaving motorsport engineering, he has gained experience in broadcasting, working for Ireland’s RTE television station, as well as F1 journalism.

James Allen was ITV’s lead commentator following Murray Walker’s retirement at the end of 2001 until the BBC acquired the rights to Formula 1 in 2009.  Allen said: “I’m really happy. Radio 5 live is the default setting on my radio at home and in the car. It’s a great institution and I’m proud to be part of it.

“Anyone who has followed my career knows I love a challenge. This is a time of change in our industry and I see great opportunity here, thanks to the unique place Radio 5 live has in this sport.”

Jennie Gow is a TV Presenter and Sports Journalist with over 10 years experience in the industry. She has previously worked in F1 for BBC Radio 5 live, as well as in MotoGP for BBC Sport.

Head of BBC F1, Ben Gallop said: “We’re delighted to welcome Ben, James, Gary and Jennie to the BBC presentation team. They bring with them a wealth of experience and knowledge as well as huge passion for the sport that will help bring the season to life for our audiences on TV, radio and online.”

As previously reported by touchline.tv, the BBC will broadcast 10 races live on BBC One in 2012, including the British, Monaco and Brazilian grands prix.

The 10 races shown live on the BBC are : China (15 April), Spain (13 May), Monaco (27 May), Europe (24 June), Britain (8 July), Belgium (2 September), Singapore (23 September), Korea (14 October), Abu Dhabi (4 November) and Brazil (25 November).

There will be extended highlights programmes on BBC One of the other 10, of either 90-minute or two-hour duration depending on the location of the race.

The presentation team will be at all the races, including those that are not being broadcast live on BBC television. All 20 grands prix will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 5 live or 5 live sports extra.

Tags: BBC F1, BBC One, BBC Radio 5 Live, Ben Edwards, Ben Gallop, David Coulthard, Eddie Jordan, Gary Anderson, Jake Humphrey, James Allen, Jennie Gow