50 replies to this topic

[gerry nassar]

I understand that its difficult to be unbiased when you have a vested interest in a driver - but as DC's Manager I thought Martin Brundle was a little over the top at Monaco. It may have been frustrating seeing Coulthard held up but his repeated shouts of "Have him (Bernoldi) off!! Nerf him off David" was totally out of line for a proffesional commentator.

Furthermore, he always has it in for Frentzen. When Frentzen started doing the fastest laps he said (dont quote me) "whats frentzen doing - if he had a car this fast why didnt he do these times before" - well duuhhh Martin - as a driver of 158 GP's - you should know - maybe Frentzen was heavier on fuel before, maybe Frentzen was in TRAFFIC (just like your boy DC!!). Remember Frentzen was caught up in the trail of four cars. Then he was in free air when he was doing thos quick lap times.

I personally enjoy Brundles commentary but sometimes he can really piss me off with his bias towards DC and against others.

[Bruce]

James Hunt was the same way with his favourites and least favourites - I think that the problem is is that the commentators know all the drivers because of their position so it is hard for them yo keep some of their personal opinion on those same drivers from creeping into their commentary...

I think you have to just laugh at it...

I get ticked at MW because he's always inferring (this year) thart OP is taking JV to the cleaners, but when JV is in front there is no mention of it... same thing. Laugh it off. They're human.

[Raelene]

funny thing about Martin - he's always haveing a go at how agressive Michael is, his start line "chops" etc.

what a wanker:p

[eamo]

You’re right about Brundle having it in for Frentzen. He was stuck behind somebody for a while, and when they pitted he started going on that Eddie Jordan should be pissed off because Frentzen had just set some fast laps. Well Martin, I didn’t see DC setting fast laps behind Bernoldi.

[silver fan]

The problem is easily fixed just do what I do turn the volume off on the TV and put a CD on and listen to some music while I watch the race. I don't need that idiot Murrey Walker telling me what's happening, I can see for myself. As for having the volume down well since the reintroduction of traction control the cars sound like shite now anyway, so i'm not missing mutch.

[fillern]

The German commentators on RTL also wanted Bernoldi out of the way...;)

[Warnie]

I actually don't mind the ITV commentary (mind you I don't get a choice) but I have to agree with Gerry, Martin Brundles comments of "nerf him off" were a little irresponsible.

[Rene]

I think Martins comments were just based on emotion, being that he is so close with DC he must have been very frustrated to see his friend starting from the back of the grid, knowing that his race was essentially over...cant blame Martin for being emotional...you know how Brits are

[Nasty McBastard]

I thought he was fine, and kinda funny. afterall.. we were all thinking the same thing.

Ive never had a prob with martin...dc's manager or not. He dishes it out where its due generally. I remember some arse chewings hes given dc when he deserved them (eg indy).
But hes happy enough to say so when MS or mika (2 guys who you think if he had any bias hed be extra critical of) have a great race or do something special.

Atleast hes doesnt seem to have that almost 'hatred', hunt had for people like patrese.

[Mrv]

Being a Ferrari fan I still enjoy listening to the ITV broadcast. Although they are Pro Mclaren they are the best english speaking broadcast out there. They ain't more biased than commentators around the world broadcasting for their favorite teams. Just live with it.

[CZM]

Did anyone notice, that all the people who Martin Brundle talked to on his grid walk were all DC supporters?

[Daemon]

It's not a good thing to say if you have kids watching. "Nerf him out of the way DC!" Push him off the road if you can't get past. Setting a great example for them. Most of us can laugh it off as the usual Brundle-speak, but you have to wonder what possesed him to say that in front of millions of viewers:confused:

[silver fan]

The fact that he is Cubey's manager probably has a lot to do with it. Had it been Hakkinen then you get the feeling that Brundle and that cynile idiot Muddley Walker would have been only to happy to spurt on how Hakkinen can't pass a bleedin backmarker.

[Lipp]

It is a bit supid i think, Bernoldi and Coulthard were fighting fair and square! By the way, Jos was passing without an problems! He should have gotten some points for his performance.

[klipywitz]

Originally posted by silver fan
The problem is easily fixed just do what I do turn the volume off on the TV and put a CD on and listen to some music while I watch the race. I don't need that idiot Murrey Walker telling me what's happening, I can see for myself. As for having the volume down well since the reintroduction of traction control the cars sound like shite now anyway, so i'm not missing mutch.

Couldnt have said better. The people at Speedvision here in the US are pretty sad too. There is this British guy (dont even know his name since I take turns listening to music, and to the commentators) that was saying how Barrichello had no right to complain because he was 20 seconds behind MS, etc... And at the end RB had cramps! Not that I think RB would have passed MS, but I had a good laugh when I heard that -- I wished I could have seen the commentators face! He took such a big bias and spoke so snobbly, so sure of himself, I would have given my right arm to see his face when he finally realized RB had cramps! LOL


We should all beware of Media Bias.

[Donovan]

I don't think Brundle is particularly biased, I think his comments about "nerfing" Bernoldi off were good-natured, and I think he was just advocating a more aggressive approach, considering DC had nothing to lose. Brundle did admit later in the race that DC had been right in being patient and not risking his car to get by.

Regarding his comments about Frentzen, (a) I have heard him say this about different drivers many times before, and (b) it's not like ITV gave extensive coverage of Frentzen's race, so at worst, you could accuse Martin of making an ignorant comment, not a malicious one.

I think Brundle is pretty damn objective (esp considering he's DC's manager), I think any pro-Brit bias he has is normal -- what else do you expect from British commentators?

The race sucked though...

[hyper!! james]

Media bias indeed.

Brundle was never urging DC to drive Bernoldi off the road. He just said that if he was in his position, he'd have nerfed him. He also said that if he was Bernoldi, he'd let him through due to the time he was losing trying to delay the inevitable.

Mark Blundell later also said he'd have the guy off too in that position.

Obviously, being in the paddock and being envolved so closely with the sport you have your favourite drivers - let's not forget Murrays love affair with Nigel Mansell and Damon Hill - but I don't see bias affecting their commentary in any way at all.

Now ITV's Manchester United Champions League love affair is another story all together...

[silver fan]

I tend to agree that Brundle is despite his pro Cubey stance reasonably unbiased, all things considered. It's his side kick that half-wit Murray Walker that I just can't stomach. If the fact that he can't count to ten without making a mistake is not bad enough, it's his inability, or unwillingness to hide his dislike of Hakkinen who he seems to bear a grudge against simply because Hakkinen is a better, more succesfull driver than his beloved DC. National pride is one thing but this guy makes me want to vomit.

[gerry nassar]

During the race Martin did actually say " Nerf him off David" - a few times. Its only at the end when he said that David did the sensible thing and picked up 2 points, while he (Brundle) would have nerfed him off and hence not scored any.

Had it been Hakkinen who couldnt get past....

[wyhphil]

it's pretty ok for him to speak his mind, and everyone would've thought about it at least. I mean he's not going to get a fine for saying it is he?
It's pretty normal for him to bias towards McLaren and Brits, since he drove for them and knows the guys in McLaren. Anyway I think Martin did a good job most of the time. Anyone want Dr Pamler back?

[Williams]

Am I the only one who thinks that Brundle was at least half-joking when he made those comments about nerfing DC off the circuit ? I know I laughed about it. There's no way a commentator would say something like that seriously, and there's no way it should be taken serioulsy. It was just some dark humour on the part of MB, and quite welcome, I thought, too. Sometimes the broadcasts are a bit too serious about the the whole thing. Good on Brundle for lightning things up a bit.

[hyper!! james]

It reminds me of his "You hit the wrong part of him my friend!" comments at Jerez '97 - they're just off the cuff, jokey remarks that only the most insecure would take seriously.

[Dudley]

It reminds me of his "You hit the wrong part of him my friend!" comments at Jerez '97

About the one sensible thing I heard abpout the entire incident.

[Todd]

Originally posted by klipywitz
The people at Speedvision here in the US are pretty sad too. There is this British guy (dont even know his name since I take turns listening to music, and to the commentators) that was saying how Barrichello had no right to complain because he was 20 seconds behind MS, etc... And at the end RB had cramps! Not that I think RB would have passed MS, but I had a good laugh when I heard that -- I wished I could have seen the commentators face! He took such a big bias and spoke so snobbly, so sure of himself, I would have given my right arm to see his face when he finally realized RB had cramps!

Rubens was on the rag? The problem with Rubens is 24 races for Ferrari and 23 excuses. I don't think Speedvision commentator Derek Bell was feeling too rebuked by Rubens whining about his tootsie.

[arcwulf7]

I ususally like Martin Brundle, he has a good eye for detail about what's happening on the track (and of course keeps Murray on the road). However i've never found him a very good judge of talent. He lambasted JV as someone unworthy of the Williams in '96 until Villeneuve's charge on (his favourite) Damon Hill quieted him. His commentary on Bernoldi/Coulthard was just plain irritating. He has favourites, usually associated with British teams (Jag especially) or drivers, but usually will reluctantly acknowledge a good drive from someone else.

[gerry nassar]

Im not saying Brundle isnt entertaining or informative - its just that sometimes he can get irritating - the monaco race was one of them.

[Mrv]

Tood, listen to the question the interviewer gave Rubens. Rubens reply was that it wasn't easy as it seemed since he had problems with cramps. Why is it that everyone always jumps on this guy for every comment. Yes he has had excuses in the past but this time he was not making an excuse he just told the guy it was not an easy race for him.

[Gemini]

I don't have ITV, so I do not have the right to discuss Brundle's commentary but I found this on PlanetF1 today, so I thoght I would share it here:

http://www.planet-f1...f1/ENG?ref=6276


"May 29: An open letter from Planet F1 to British race commentator Martin Brundle

Dear Martin,

...."

it's a long letter so if you are interested use the link above

Gemini

[Daemon]

Originally posted by Williams
Am I the only one who thinks that Brundle was at least half-joking when he made those comments about nerfing DC off the circuit ? I know I laughed about it. There's no way a commentator would say something like that seriously, and there's no way it should be taken serioulsy. It was just some dark humour on the part of MB, and quite welcome, I thought, too. Sometimes the broadcasts are a bit too serious about the the whole thing. Good on Brundle for lightning things up a bit.

The problem is, kids don't have the same perception as we do Williams. I watch each GP with my uncles and cousins. My cousins are all under 15, and the 12 was going on and on how he should "Smash that idiot out of the way" right after Brundle opens his trap. Great way for kids that age to be talking about not only racing, but driving cars.

Personally, I laughed and at the same time thought, Martin you fool, that'll come around to kick you in the ass.

[jmcgavin]

A bit unfair to accuse Brundle of bias regarding DC as there are plenty of times when he has criticised DC for mistakes or being off the pace, Suzuka last year for example.

As for Bernoldi, I can see both sides of the coin, no reason to move over as they are fighting for position, however as MB said Bernoldi was slowing himself down by fighting DC, rather than keep blocking and risk DC going for a chance and putting them both out why not let the faster car through??

Monaco being as it is regarding crashes and general reliability if he had stayed on the road at a faster pace to the end he may have had a chance of a point re Alesi

As for Frentzen, again fair comment as far as I can see, on his own on the track and then suddenly starts setting blisteringly fast times, can't be a fuel thing as this happens over the course of a couple of laps, if I was EJ i'd want a good reason why this happened..

[gerry nassar]

Originally posted by jmcgavin
As for Frentzen, again fair comment as far as I can see, on his own on the track and then suddenly starts setting blisteringly fast times, can't be a fuel thing as this happens over the course of a couple of laps, if I was EJ i'd want a good reason why this happened..

Frentzen started doing the fastest laps when he was ALONE - meaning Raikonnen and Panis were no longer infront of him and slowing him down - so obviously in free air - Frentzen had to go faster. Just like DC was going 2 seconds a lap faster after he finally got by Bernoldi

[gerry nassar]

Gemini - thanks for the thread!
It says it all really!

[sennadog93]

Originally posted by CZM
Did anyone notice, that all the people who Martin Brundle talked to on his grid walk were all DC supporters?

And you are of course including Hakkinen and Ecclestone in this. The latter actively stated that he thought Hakkinen would win.

So, no I did not notice this at all.

[sennadog93]

Originally posted by Williams
Am I the only one who thinks that Brundle was at least half-joking when he made those comments about nerfing DC off the circuit ? I know I laughed about it. There's no way a commentator would say something like that seriously, and there's no way it should be taken serioulsy. It was just some dark humour on the part of MB, and quite welcome, I thought, too. Sometimes the broadcasts are a bit too serious about the the whole thing. Good on Brundle for lightning things up a bit.

No you're not but unfortunately some people take things literally on this BB and are unwilling to sit back and consider things before coming up with a rational argument.

[Rudolf]

Martin Brundle = fat auld fart!

Maybe that's too harsh. I don't really hate him. In fact I'm quite fond of him and his ability to translate what Murray is going on about... What is my point? I don't have the faintest idea!

[Daniel Lester]

The comment Martin made about Frentzen he has made heaps of times and has even told stories about how Ken Tyrrell used to tell him off for the same thing. I suppose he doesn't want today's drivers to make the same mistakes as he did, after all as a guy that raced senna close for the F3 title he went on and didn't win a single grand prix when he should have.
As for having Bernoldi off, who cares. I for one would have been fustrated enough to run Bernoldi off the road and into the harbour/swimming pool (besides the Arrows would make a better boat than Gp car), despite the fact I don't believe Bernoldi did anything wrong. After all Jos passed Alonso and Button after Bernoldi let him by at St Devote so why couldn't DC have a proper go at Bernoldi, it may have ended in tears for either or both drivers but I would have been more impressed if DC had the balls to stick a move either way on the arrows.

[AyePirate]

They really should flash onsreen
MARTIN BRUNDLE IS DAVID COULTHARD'S MANAGER
whenever Brundle starts talking

[mtl'78]

Actually the most unbiased team I watch is the RDS crew led by Pierre Houde. They are obviously extra happy when JV is doing well, but they show absolutely no negative bias toward anyone.

[calibrax]

I don't think he was particularly biased towards DC... I think if Schumacher had been in the same position, then Brundle would have had the same reaction. Bernoldi drove a good race, and was perfectly within his rights not to move over... but because DC couldn't get past, we were deprived of a great race. However, you could say that we were deprived of that when the McLaren stalled on the grid...

I feel sorry for Kryten (DC)

[gerry nassar]

we were also deprived of a great race when hakkinen had to retire!
BAD MCLAREN BAD!!!

[AD]

arcwulf7,

He lambasted JV as someone unworthy of the Williams in '96 until Villeneuve's charge on (his favourite) Damon Hill quieted him

Firstly Martin Brundle didn't start commentating until 1997 with ITV. Also if Martin Brundle was able to commentate on the race while driving in it at the same time, he's up there with MS, AS, and AP, if not at a higher level than them!!!

ITV have only one problem, ad breaks. Apart from that they are excellent. Jim Rosental at last seems to be interested in F1, Tony Jardine and Mark Blundell (who unfortunatly can't say anything other than DC or JPM) aren't too bad analaysts, and the commentary team is just simply brilliant. Murray Walker is a living ledgend (and has done more than anyone bar Bernie to raise the profile of F1), and Martin Brundle is an excellend side kick. They are a bit biased but not obviously so.

[jonpollak]

Originally posted by Raelene
funny thing about Martin - he's always haveing a go at how agressive Michael is, his start line "chops" etc.

what a wanker

Raelene;
Martin is NOT a wanker(I would have been castigated had I offered up THAT one) why not have a "go"at Michael's "chops",they can be rather dis-tasteful,no?

Now on to the heart of the matter;
One must enjoy life and NOT take this SO SERIOUSLY:stoned:

MB knows the inner working of the whole circus so take what he offers to you as if you had a friend on the grid telling you what is REALLY happening.

Mr McBastard had the right idea...ish, although I loved hearing James Hunt and his NON PC comments...

I look forward to MB's little quips,they make me chuckle which in turn... keeps me awake!!!

ps.ITV has Rosenthal and Goodman to berate.. NOT MARTIN..He's the good one!!

"No Michael..that's NOT good enough" MB Jerez'97

Jp

[Winny]

Look Dudes,
very commentator worth listening to is biased in some way. To be able to report on something means they have spent time in or around the sport. Human Nature will dictate that these experiences will inspire some bias, either pro or anti people or teams you deal with or spend time with.

I thought Brundle's comments were fine and took them in the spirit in which they were intended. So did my 7 year old son, who had also said that "DC was a "dufus" and if he can't pass in a McLaren, he should just tap him under brakes".
Hey, it works for him on GP3!!

I'm sure the stop for a new nose would have cost him much less than the 4secs a lap for 44 laps!!!

I like the fact that Brundle is there, at least he's been there and understands the racing and all the things happening over the course of the weekend. It also means less of MW's ramblings.

[arcwulf7]

Originally posted by AD
arcwulf7,
[b]

Firstly Martin Brundle didn't start commentating until 1997 with ITV. Also if Martin Brundle was able to commentate on the race while driving in it at the same time, he's up there with MS, AS, and AP, if not at a higher level than them!!!

Maybe it was '97 but I have a very clear memory of Brundle's comments on JV at Monaco, intimating Williams should be looking for someone who wouldn't be running 7th or 8th AND at marvelous pass on Schumacher sometime during the season-- a pass Brundle then called 'the Pass of the Season" right after saying something derogatory about him. The pass that had Michael calling JV the most dangerous man in Formula 1, i'm trying to remember where. But if it was 97 (who was in the box in 96), it is all the more reason he should have been clued into Jacques potential.

[Raelene]

jonpollock

imo he is a wanker

he has a go at the dangers of the "schumacher chop" as he likes to call it, where no contact is actually made, yet tells his driver (he is DC's manager) to nerf another guy off - actually make contact.

I'll say it again - wanker

[Daemon]

Originally posted by Raelene


he has a go at the dangers of the "schumacher chop" as he likes to call it, where no contact is actually made, yet tells his driver (he is DC's manager) to nerf another guy off - actually make contact.

I'll say it again - wanker

Precisely. No disagreements here. 1 rule for Schumacher, and another for the Brits.

[jonpollak]

Originally posted by Raelene
jonpollock

Liebes armes schmales gekümmertes Mädchen

it's not "ock"
You needn't connect me to the BAR team principal

ak... if you please

Ps.Who would you prefer to hear in the booth?

Jp

[David J Jones]

IMHO John Watson is the man - at least he won GP's. Get rid of ITV.

How many did Brundle or Blundell win?

[Raelene]

sorry for the misspelling of your name.

I don't have a problem with Martin in the box... I have a problem with his hypocritical statements he made last week and his bias...

[jonpollak]

Originally posted by Raelene
sorry for the misspelling of your name.

I don't have a problem with Martin in the box... I have a problem with his hypocritical statements he made last week and his bias...

No worries on the misspelling...after 40+ years of it, if it still bothered me I would be swatting flies that didn't exist(if ya get my drift).

Hypocracy(in this case) is in the ear of the listener.
Everyone has a Bias and it is this that forms our opinions and personality.....

Next time he upsets you with his point of view just think of a snappy retort and post it on this here BB.(you get to mull it over till it sounds perfect as well as having the benefit of hindsight and all that armchair based wisdom)

think of it as Martin therapy....;)

bon chance
Jp