Matt Roberts to present BBC Moto GP

February 9, 2011   ·   0 Comments

The BBC has announced that Matt Roberts will be the new presenter of their MotoGP coverage. Matt has been a key member of the BBC team since 2006, working as a reporter, a co-presenter and as a presenter and will start his new role at the first race of 2011 in Losail, Qatar on 20 March.

Charlie Cox and Steve Parrish will once again provide commentary with Azi Farni joining the team as a pit-lane reporter.

Matt Roberts said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have been asked to front the MotoGP coverage on the BBC this year. This is a sport I am very passionate about and the opportunity to share it with the TV audience is a very exciting prospect.

“I’m really looking forward to working with Azi Farni, who is an established, enthusiastic and highly respected reporter, and it is always great fun to work with Charlie and Steve, who need no introduction! I’m convinced we will make a strong team and most importantly cover every aspect of what promises to be a truly memorable year in the most prestigious class of motorcycle racing.”

New to the BBC team, Azi Farni has worked in motorsport since 2007 starting with the World Rally Championship, before joining MotoGP in 2009. For the last 15 months she has been working as a reporter and is already a well-known face in the paddock. As well as doing regular interviews and features Azi has also done the occasional pit lane reporting and commentary for MotoGP host broadcaster Dorna’s world and web programmes.

Azi Farni says: “I’m really looking forward to joining the BBC team. I always used to watch MotoGP on the BBC so it’s a dream come true to be working with them. The last year working in the paddock has been an incredible experience and I’m really excited about what could well be the best season in 800cc coming up. With Rossi working his magic on the Ducati and Stoner clicking straight away with the Honda I think we could see a really close title battle between four or five riders this time around, with a lot more riders finishing on the podium than last year. I can’t wait for it all to start in March!”

Mark Wilkin, Executive Producer BBC MotoGP, says: “I am delighted that Matt is taking on the role of main presenter for our MotoGP coverage. This is a natural progression for him as he’s a very talented broadcaster and his knowledge of the sport is second to none. And we welcome to the team reporter Azi who is a well-known face in the paddock and is very passionate about the sport.”

The 2011 MotoGP will be shown live on BBC Two. European rounds will have an extended 30 minute build-up on BBC Two plus a 30-minute MotoGP Extra on the BBC Red Button after the race, bringing the immediate reaction from the experts and the riders themselves.

Live qualifying coverage of the 2011 MotoGP season, including the 125cc and Moto2 races, will be available to view on the red button and at bbc.co.uk/motogp (UK users only). Online viewers will also be able to use the website to access the full MotoGP schedule and all the latest news from on and off the track.

Tags: Azi Farni, Charlie Cox, Matt Roberts, Moto GP