You can't have Martin Haven doing it - he'd launch into one of his fantastically famous rants about everything that it is wrong with F1. That would go down with Bernie/FOM like a lead balloon. Similarly Hindy would be the same, he wouldn't do it anyway.
James Allen isn't a commentator - but is a tremendous journalist on F1. I do wonder how many people realise that Legard is the BBC's first and only Motorsport correspondent - appointed in 1997 when he was on 5Live - with a remit of F1, WRC, BTCC and Le Mans. He's better suited to radio than TV - maybe swap with Crofty. However, he didn't cover himself in glory when he did the GT1 series - though that was more down to not knowing the subject.
Who should be the main BBC F1 commentator?
Started by
midgrid
, Sep 14 2010 14:17
252 replies to this topic
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#52
hotstickyslick
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Posted 14 September 2010 - 18:53
Pfft, Legard has every bad quality Allen had plus some.Agreed. He would be emasculated by FOM.
Anyway, I see no problem with Legard at all. After James Allen he is still blessed relief.
Red Bull PC-DCBut I think Brundle is now used up and we need a new driver/commentator. Perhaps they should promote DC?
Edited by hotstickyslick, 14 September 2010 - 18:54.
#53
SonnyViceR
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Posted 14 September 2010 - 18:55
Similarly Hindy would be the same, he wouldn't do it anyway.
I'm pretty sure he would rather shoot himself than commentate even a single race - unless it rains of course
Crofty is good when he know's what he's talking about. He obviously had no idea whatsoever about sportscars or regulations, it was a one-off gig and that's about it. Alex Yoong didn't really help either.
#54
Tenmantaylor
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Posted 14 September 2010 - 18:58
After all these years of hankering we have to try Ben Edwards on for size. At least him or 1 other before letting Allen back at the mic for his 2nd chance.
#55
FlatOverCrest
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Posted 14 September 2010 - 19:00
Personally, I think Legard is awful, but not as bad as James Allen.
But I have been super impressed with Crofty on 5 Live and his partnership with AD has delivered good quality, fun and pretty precise commentary.. they should definitely be given the TV opportunity.
But I have been super impressed with Crofty on 5 Live and his partnership with AD has delivered good quality, fun and pretty precise commentary.. they should definitely be given the TV opportunity.
#56
SonnyViceR
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Posted 14 September 2010 - 19:13
But I have been super impressed with Crofty on 5 Live and his partnership with AD has delivered good quality, fun and pretty precise commentary.. they should definitely be given the TV opportunity.
Said this earlier, but - Ant has said that he doesn't want to be known as commentator, but as race driver. Next year he should be more away from F1 anyways (due to Peugeot probably taking part in more races and tests, thank to ILMC).
#57
Willow Rosenberg
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Posted 14 September 2010 - 19:27
no commentary at all!
I really wish this was an option. I watched most of the US Open without any commentary, it was nice not to have someone shouting in my ear whenever anything exciting happened.
#58
chdphd
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Posted 14 September 2010 - 20:27
If you have the red button in the UK, no commentary is an option. I indulge from time to time.
#59
ivanalesi
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Posted 14 September 2010 - 20:35
Ben Edwards & Ant Davidson. Actually, I don't know why BBC doesn't change their lead duos. Ant & Crofty are much better than Brundle & Legard. Also it's important to have someone with recent F1 knowledge/experience, Brundle is often contradicting to what Davidson says and I believe Ant, cause he's usually just came back from MGP's simulator ;) Ant's problem is that he's showing quite easily who he's not in really good terms with. He's had some rants about certain drivers because he's had problems w/ them.
It's a shame that Ben Edwards wasn't given the chance to be on BBC, I hope they change this for next season!
It's a shame that Ben Edwards wasn't given the chance to be on BBC, I hope they change this for next season!
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#60
Wingcommander
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Posted 14 September 2010 - 20:41
Haven and Brundle.
And who said that Palmer was good? Hunt was good and Brundle is good but Palmer, those couple years he kept torturing the tv audiences were more than enough.
And who said that Palmer was good? Hunt was good and Brundle is good but Palmer, those couple years he kept torturing the tv audiences were more than enough.
#61
Zeroninety
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Posted 14 September 2010 - 20:47
Tom Baker. Don't know if he knows anything about racing, but it'd be damn entertaining. 
#62
noikeee
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Posted 14 September 2010 - 20:47
Yes, I voted for Mr. Haven too - he's the only one on the list I really enjoy listening. But even so, I don't actually want him to commentate on F1 (and I'm sure Martin wouldn't either), since his skills are needed elsewhere. Plus, he would complain about lame rules, tracks and cars all the time (rightly so), which wouldn't be that great PR for F1 or BBC
Yeah fair enough. That's why I said he'd need to be told not to complain too much, because he sure would have a natural tendency to do so.
#63
RC127
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Posted 14 September 2010 - 20:48
I quite enjoyed Simon Hill (that's right isn't it) who commentated this weekend for British Eurosport on GP3 and the live GP2 sprint race at Monza.
Does he stand any chance of landing such a prestigous gig? Probably not.
Also, Jeremy Shaw would a good candidate (although a rank outsider, methinks).
Is Leigh Diffey the commentator we hear on the V8 Supercars? He seems quite alright...
Does he stand any chance of landing such a prestigous gig? Probably not.
Also, Jeremy Shaw would a good candidate (although a rank outsider, methinks).
Is Leigh Diffey the commentator we hear on the V8 Supercars? He seems quite alright...
Edited by RC127, 14 September 2010 - 20:48.
#64
wewantourdarbyback
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Posted 14 September 2010 - 20:55
Tom Baker. Don't know if he knows anything about racing, but it'd be damn entertaining.
Surely this calls for Brian Blessed?
#65
TristanDaCunha
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Posted 14 September 2010 - 20:58
Not Allen.
That is all.
I concur.
#66
Alexis*27
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Posted 14 September 2010 - 20:58
Are we jumping the gun here? There are three sources of rumours in Monza apparently (good), but it was it only the Daily Mail running this story?
#67
Mandzipop
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Posted 14 September 2010 - 21:06
Surely this calls for Brian Blessed?
If we are going down that route, Sean Connery.
#68
hotstickyslick
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Posted 14 September 2010 - 21:31
Add Noddy Holder to that and I think we might have a great commentary team.If we are going down that route, Sean Connery.
#69
Mandzipop
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Posted 14 September 2010 - 21:40
Add Noddy Holder to that and I think we might have a great commentary team.
Hows about Jeremy Clarkson.
Runs and hides.
#70
wewantourdarbyback
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Posted 14 September 2010 - 21:45
Hows about Jeremy Clarkson.
Runs and hides.
Ben Collins?
#72
NeverScared
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Posted 14 September 2010 - 22:02
I always liked the pairing of John Watson and Andrew Marriott back in the days they showed F1 on Eurosport.
The biggest shame though is that we can't put Murray Walker in a time machine and make him 20 years younger again.
The biggest shame though is that we can't put Murray Walker in a time machine and make him 20 years younger again.
#73
Ali_G
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Posted 14 September 2010 - 22:08
I honestly can't remember a better commentary partnership in 4 wheeled racing than Ben Edwards and Jeremy Shaw when they used to do CART on Eurosport. Really was fantastic.
#74
Tombstone
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Posted 14 September 2010 - 22:14
No, Allen gave the impression he always wanted man-love with Schumacher. His commentary in the Hamilton era was very restrained by comparison.Just get James back and tell him not to go too overboard with the Hamilton thing. I really, really liked James, thought he was way better than Murray. Hoiwever, once Hamilton came on the scene he really did go pear shaped. He was talking about Hamilton chanelling Senna at one race, I mean WTF.
#75
Ali_G
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Posted 14 September 2010 - 22:16
No, Allen gave the impression he always wanted man-love with Schumacher. His commentary in the Hamilton era was very restrained by comparison.
I think his reaction to Jenson's first win topped the lot.
#76
jmkaos
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Posted 14 September 2010 - 22:26
Alan Partridge would knock this one off easily.
#77
Tombstone
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Posted 14 September 2010 - 22:28
Legard to remain... 1950's maths teacher...
Better the teacher than Allen the teacher's pet.
Legard's fine - his manner makes a nice change from the norm. Good accent and tonality to his voice too.
And for God's sake, no Ben Edwards either. Can't get on with his commentary AT ALL.
Edited by Tombstone, 14 September 2010 - 22:30.
#78
Ali_G
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Posted 14 September 2010 - 22:35
Better the teacher than Allen the teacher's pet.
Legard's fine - his manner makes a nice change from the norm. Good accent and tonality to his voice too.
And for God's sake, no Ben Edwards either. Can't get on with his commentary AT ALL.
You prefer manners and tonality over factuality of information ? Legard is making mistakes on a level that Murray never did.
#79
Garagiste
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Posted 14 September 2010 - 22:43
You prefer manners and tonality over factuality of information ? Legard is making mistakes on a level that Murray never did.
If that means the Leg over Allen, then yes I do for one. Legard is not great by any means, but JA really made my teeth itch.
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#80
hotstickyslick
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Posted 15 September 2010 - 00:32
I'd take Allen over Leg-end anyday. So would Brundle who seems to be a shadow of his former self right now, sadly.If that means the Leg over Allen, then yes I do for one. Legard is not great by any means, but JA really made my teeth itch.
Edited by hotstickyslick, 15 September 2010 - 00:34.
#81
goldenboy
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Posted 15 September 2010 - 01:53
I'm pretty surprised everyone hated allen so much, I thought he was great. I remember when I first started watching and knew absolutely nothing about F1 but could see the mistakes murray was making and couldnt believe it haha he would be watching a whole lap of a driver and saying it was his team mate 
it was a little frustrating but didn't matter because he just seemed like a cool old dude who loved F1 (a bit like your favourite crazy senile grandad).
Seems the BBC want (and need really) 2 commentators - 1 expert like brundle, and 1 who is more commercial. It wouldnt work for the mainstream so well if it was 2 experts like brundle and davidson, although it would be great for us. I think crofty may be "commercial" enough (i.e. has the ability to seem artificially excited to engage the plebs who dont know whats going on). Charlie from motogp would be a fail for me.
Can't believe Leigh Diffeys name was being thrown around! Where the hell did that come from! That would be a massive step up from V8 supercars in aus
I think he's a bit of a dick, but he would know a hell of a lot more than legard and has the "guy smiley" thing going on that they would be looking for. But he wouldn't be good enough. His voice is a little irritating. Makes me think of shock absorber commercials.
VOTE FOR ALLEN!
it was a little frustrating but didn't matter because he just seemed like a cool old dude who loved F1 (a bit like your favourite crazy senile grandad).Seems the BBC want (and need really) 2 commentators - 1 expert like brundle, and 1 who is more commercial. It wouldnt work for the mainstream so well if it was 2 experts like brundle and davidson, although it would be great for us. I think crofty may be "commercial" enough (i.e. has the ability to seem artificially excited to engage the plebs who dont know whats going on). Charlie from motogp would be a fail for me.
Can't believe Leigh Diffeys name was being thrown around! Where the hell did that come from! That would be a massive step up from V8 supercars in aus
I think he's a bit of a dick, but he would know a hell of a lot more than legard and has the "guy smiley" thing going on that they would be looking for. But he wouldn't be good enough. His voice is a little irritating. Makes me think of shock absorber commercials.
VOTE FOR ALLEN!
#82
slideways
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Posted 15 September 2010 - 02:36
I really enjoy Crofty's humour but don't think he's professional enough for the main gig.
I think Brundle + Davidson would be an awesome pair, if Brundle moved to an anchor role and Ant was given more freedom.
Otherwise I am ready to give Allen another chance. His blog and coverage has been brilliant, and unlike Humphrey or Legard he is a die hard fan and really cares about the sport.
I think Brundle + Davidson would be an awesome pair, if Brundle moved to an anchor role and Ant was given more freedom.
Otherwise I am ready to give Allen another chance. His blog and coverage has been brilliant, and unlike Humphrey or Legard he is a die hard fan and really cares about the sport.
#83
christoff
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Posted 15 September 2010 - 04:07
Bring back the cock! (And maybe think of a new nickname for him as well)
#84
seltaeb
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Posted 15 September 2010 - 04:10
Leigh Diffey is actually really good. We get him on Speed here in the US sometimes when Bob Varsha has to do the Barrett-Jackson car auctions.
It would be nice if Murray Walker could be signed up for a few of the races on the European calendar. Maybe the 4 crown jewels: Monaco, Silverstone, Spa, Monza. 4 of the 20 races... I think he would enjoy it. At the very least, he could call the Silverstone GP every year.
It would be nice if Murray Walker could be signed up for a few of the races on the European calendar. Maybe the 4 crown jewels: Monaco, Silverstone, Spa, Monza. 4 of the 20 races... I think he would enjoy it. At the very least, he could call the Silverstone GP every year.
#85
slideways
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Posted 15 September 2010 - 04:22
It was awesome to see Murray @ Silverstone, and he usually shows up somewhere @ Melbourne each year as well. I think they should use him in the 5 live team, and the build ups and post forums when he is available. The drivers love him as well.
#86
COUGAR508
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Posted 15 September 2010 - 07:08
My vote goes to Ben Edwards. I used to enjoy his commentary on Eurosport in the old days.
#87
Ellios
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Posted 15 September 2010 - 07:56
James Allen has stated more than once he is not interested and if asked would say no - who can blame him either, I mean it's one thing for people to complain about your commentating but for James Allen it was taken to a whole new level. Stop the Cock was merely the tip of the iceberg....
it's a poisoned chalice, bit like the England managers job.... who's the next turnip head I wonder...
Charlie Cox
it's a poisoned chalice, bit like the England managers job.... who's the next turnip head I wonder...
Charlie Cox
Edited by Ellios, 15 September 2010 - 10:37.
#88
ExFlagMan
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Posted 15 September 2010 - 09:17
Has to be Crofty for me - doing a pretty professional job - can't be easy doing a commentary for TV & radio at the same time as he normally does in the practice sessions - and then throw in a rotating set of experts - so far this season I can recall Ant, Paul Di Resta, Karun Chandhock and Maurice Hamilton, and he does not seem to have had any problems getting along with any of them, so I guess he would have no problem working with Brundle.
I tend to use the Crofty/a.n.other commentary in preference to the Legard/Brundle when available - although I usually record the normal feed and replay any interesting bits to get Brundle's comments.
I tend to use the Crofty/a.n.other commentary in preference to the Legard/Brundle when available - although I usually record the normal feed and replay any interesting bits to get Brundle's comments.
#89
Tombstone
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Posted 15 September 2010 - 09:32
I wonder if the Beeb could persuade Jonesy and Superrat to guest for a few races.
I like Crofty on the practice sessions - he could step up to the mark on TV I'm sure. Not keen on Davidson though - he doesn't seem to know or care much for the history of the sport.
However, as I've said, I like Leggard's voice and manner. Much, much better than Allen.
Simon Taylor would be good too.
I like Crofty on the practice sessions - he could step up to the mark on TV I'm sure. Not keen on Davidson though - he doesn't seem to know or care much for the history of the sport.
However, as I've said, I like Leggard's voice and manner. Much, much better than Allen.
Simon Taylor would be good too.
Edited by Tombstone, 15 September 2010 - 09:34.
#90
Kucki
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Posted 15 September 2010 - 09:34
Ben Edwards is the best
#91
Matti Poika
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Posted 15 September 2010 - 09:36
It's a no brainer really, Croft & Davidson without a doubt.
They are a proven package that already provide far superior commentary than Brundle / Legard.
They are a proven package that already provide far superior commentary than Brundle / Legard.
#92
Captain Tightpants
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Posted 15 September 2010 - 09:37
I think people are reading far too much into this. They want it to happen, so the overlook the actual possibility of it taking place.
#93
Tombstone
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Posted 15 September 2010 - 09:41
If that means the Leg over Allen, then yes I do for one. Legard is not great by any means, but JA really made my teeth itch.
I think this describes perfectly why Allen was poor as a commentator, particularly the brioche episode.
#94
RedBaron
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Posted 15 September 2010 - 10:50
I voted James allen. Couldn't tolerate him towards the end, his love fest for Hamilton and his sexual attraction to the Imola pitlane. But I didn't know dismal until leggard hit the scene. Leggard isn't only bad in himself but he brings down the race commentary in the form on brundle. James and Martin work...
I was wrong I'll take you back James if you'll have me.
What we can't have is race driver race driver as a pairing we need a fan and a driver to commentate otherwise we'll be overloaded with technical details.
I was wrong I'll take you back James if you'll have me.
What we can't have is race driver race driver as a pairing we need a fan and a driver to commentate otherwise we'll be overloaded with technical details.
#95
Velocifer
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Posted 15 September 2010 - 11:55
Agreed. Best commentator I've ever heard.Toby Moody.
No-one else comes close.
And I would also like Coulthard to do races. Why not 3 in the box? DC never seems to miss the points, is quick and gives good insights.
#96
man
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Posted 15 September 2010 - 12:04
Charlie Cox or Ben Edwards. James Allen knows his stuff but tends to induce vomiting with his voice and general cu@ntishness. Anybody to name their son after a founder of an Italian car company deserves all the abuse he can get.
The void left since the passing of James Hunt has proved to be impossible to replace.
The void left since the passing of James Hunt has proved to be impossible to replace.
#97
Cargo
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Posted 15 September 2010 - 12:08
has to be Ben Edwards
it does indeed - Ben gets my vote
#98
Alexis*27
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Posted 15 September 2010 - 12:37
Charlie Cox or Ben Edwards. James Allen knows his stuff but tends to induce vomiting with his voice and general cu@ntishness. Anybody to name their son after a founder of an Italian car company deserves all the abuse he can get.
The void left since the passing of James Hunt has proved to be impossible to replace.
He's not named after Ferrari.
#99
schtix
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Posted 15 September 2010 - 12:58
Rubbish choices.
I think Jim Rosenthal and Eddie Jordan should team up in the commentary booth
I think Jim Rosenthal and Eddie Jordan should team up in the commentary booth
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#100
hansmann
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Posted 15 September 2010 - 13:01
Martin Brundle with guest commentators ?
Imagine Martin with Jeremy Clarkson - epic .;)
Whatever they do, Martin is the man in my book.
Without him, I could as well watch the German footage, and at least get it live, watch the intro and forum later .
Imagine Martin with Jeremy Clarkson - epic .;)
Whatever they do, Martin is the man in my book.
Without him, I could as well watch the German footage, and at least get it live, watch the intro and forum later .
