Comments on: BBC F1: a commentator’s verdict

By: wezza

wezza — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:40:25 +0000

Well ladies & gents, it seems we are stuck with Legard for this season.. The BBC have confirmed that they are sticking with last years line up.

I just hope my red button still works for when I have to change the commentary

Anyone out there know where you can access any good online live race commentary?

By: Sam

Sam — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:55:51 +0000

What an opportunity missed! Jake whats-his-name is just the wrong choice for F1. He has developed no rapport, there’s no humour, his questions are long statements delivered in a monotone and he is just gauche!
Compare him to the urbane Rosenthall – I rest my point.

By: tony

tony — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 08:24:26 +0000

Legard is probably a very nice guy, but the “stating the obvious ” that comes out of his mouth and drivel he spouts on the last lap, ruins my favorite sport. PLEASE BBC listen to us.

By: Ian Cleator

Ian Cleator — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 15:19:44 +0000

We haven’t yet had the second race of the 2009 season and already the FIA’s influence is all too obvious.

First there was the decision to change the scoring system from earning points to winning bronze, silver and gold positions. This was followed by its almost immediate withdrawal. The lack of research into such important decisions and the following prompt but humiliating climb-down by the FIA does not engender confidence in their management of the rule book. Quite the opposite, it demonstrates significant immaturity for what should be a respected body.

Next comes the Trulli/Button/Ryan affair. The BBC’s roving herd of reporters seem only able to scratch the surface of this incident, discussing only the teams and drivers involved. Clearly this problem goes much deeper. In a sport where every tenth of a second is crucial, why does a driver have to confirm the legality of an overtaking maneuver? The time taken to radio his team, for them to consult race control, for race control to respond and the team to communicate that response back to the driver, even with some haste, is likely to take minutes. Overtaking rules should be crystal clear so that a driver can be fully aware instantly of the legality of his position and hence can spend his time on the track racing, rather than communicating and interpreting the rules. It would also mean that races are decided on the track and not in some pokey office some hours after the race has ended and the fans have gone home. This was a problem last season and through the FIA’s lack of action, obviously is going to remain a problem this season.

Finally, we have the ongoing issue of diffuser rules. Once again, ambiguity in the rules means that there are two interpretations relating to the size, shape and position of the rear diffusers. The result? Confusion all round, with some teams running at a clear advantage over others. However, even worse, the results of last week’s Australian GP (despite amendment and re-amendment due to the Trulli/Hamilton events) are not yet finalized and the results of tomorrow’s Malaysian GP although not yet decided, will be equally meaningless. This is because everyone is awaiting the FIA’s decision on the legality of some of the rear diffusers and the potential disqualifications that may come with that decision.

So, after only one race the FIA, the body responsible for the government and promotion of F1 has, through their ineptitude, already reduced this season to a farce. Is there any hope for F1 whilst their performance is so inadequate?

By: C4

C4 — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 07:47:30 +0000

I’m in the USA and have always liked the SPEED TV coverage. I watched the BBC coverage through bittorrent download and it was so much better. No adverts and no Bob Varsha making terrible jokes. Anyone that can’t see the BBC coverage is truly missing out. We don’t even get a live shot of a pitlane reporter after a driver falls out of the race on SPEED TV. And Coulthard was good in his new role. Thank you BBC.

By: llg

llg — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 11:16:58 +0000

What is it with martin Brundle, he seems to take pleasure every time Malaren or Lewis are penalised. I thought as a British commentator, his comments about Lewis “obviously telling fibs” when he him self stated that he did not know the full facts of the decision were outrageous. You heard nothing but full backing from the Spanish press when Alonso found himself in trouble at McLaren.
While I would not expect Martin to be biased towards McLaren he should be reminded that he now works for the BBC which is funded by British taxpayer’s money.
Personally I would like to see coultard play a much greater role as he seems to have a greater feel the sport in its modern form. Martin on the other hand often comes across as a Jealous failed has-been.
More support for the British drivers, what would be better than Lewis and Jenson battling it out for the championship

By: antonyob

antonyob — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 08:01:22 +0000

Absolutely spot on Ben, Legard is a grower. Lets face it most of us have only heard 2 people commentate on f1 in our whole lives, and we weren’t too sure about the 2nd !

By: Alan P

Alan P — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 22:32:30 +0000

Having moved to the USA a few years back, and getting accustomed to Speed TVs commentators, I remember The Chain, Murray Walker & James Hunt with great fondness. Murray’s enthusiasm, & James’ laid back comments were so much better than Speed. With apologies to David Hobbs, Steve Matchett & the other Speed guys who are doing their best.

By: macca

macca — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 20:51:17 +0000

croft and davidson were great on the friday though i agree with some others that croft might not be up to scratch for the main events.

as with all (most?) sports coverage, the beeb do a damn fine job. (compare the itv and bbc rugby coverage for example – auntie wins at a canter)

By: Steve_P

Steve_P — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 20:24:04 +0000

I like the SPEED guys a lot also, but I’ve never really been exposed to any other coverage of F1. Too bad there isn’t a way to see the BBC coverage from America to be able to compare it.