BBC coverage of F1

[1stfret]

Nice to see F1 Back on the BBC. I suppose the adverts were the worse on ITV. Thier race build up was good though. I am sure the BBC will improve on things even more as time goes on. I reckon the anchor guy was very good indeed. Can't wait for race number 2!

[beanbandit]

Indeed, but that's a bit redundant on the radio. Lee McKenzie's not too bad either though.

The general consensus around the web was that EJ and Legard were the weak links. EJ babbled on too long and made a few cringe-worthy remarks (but his general charisma and spark with DC will likely keep him favourable), while Legard still had far too many radioisms and didn't work especially well with Brundle - though both will improve.

I'm not a big fan of the intro - they could have made an epic intro out of archived footage, or even just footage from the past couple of years, similar to the 'inspiration' video posted on Youtube (which is stunning). Too much CGI.

Jake Humphreys was a minor revelation. Few expected him to be even decent, but he held everything together remarkably well (even better than thought if you read his blog after the event) and he did his homework.

Brundle seemed to be a bit more sparky than the past couple of seasons, with a bit more vigour in him.

Finally, the intro to the intro before the race, "this is Formula 1", (the 'advert', which was like a mix between a Marks & Spencer, Guinness and that Honda ad) was awesome.

I don't mind James Allen - some of his books and articles are excellent, as is his blog - but he can't commentate at all. Blundell was even more wooden and dumber than when he was driving, and Steve Rider went from a decent presenter when he used to do the BBC F1 to a puppet who only asked silly questions which already had the answer attached; "so Mark, how important is to Lewis to be on pole?"

Well said, i have to agree with everything you said. Especially Lee McKenzie

Two things stood out for me:

1. Jake looked and sounded like he'd be doing it for years. Superb.

2. Sack EJ.

Didn't know what to expect from Jake, but first impressions were very positive for me. EJ seemed a bit too ott, hopefully this will get reigned in a bit.

Bring back Jame ... not wait what am I saying!

Next time i see you, you're getting a slap just for thinking of that

[Vimeous]

Finally, the intro to the intro before the race, "this is Formula 1", (the 'advert', which was like a mix between a Marks & Spencer, Guinness and that Honda ad) was awesome.

Ah ha! Found it.

The Scream of Science

A fine effort though after watching it I feel a touch thirsty with an inexplicable desire for a pint of the black-stuff ......

[beanbandit]

Ah ha! Found it.

The Scream of Science

A fine effort though after watching it I feel a touch thirsty with an inexplicable desire for a pint of the black-stuff ......

Cheers for the link, not seen that before. Very very cool

[[DW]Cougho]

THREAD REVIVAL - Thought it was better than a new thread.

Now that we are 4 races in what do people think of the BBC's coverage? On the whole i think its outstanding, particularly the red button features.

There is just one hideous fly in otherwise excellent ointment, and predictably his name is Johnathan Legard. I feel sorry the man, I really do, he's getting alot of stick on internet forums everywhere. The simple fact is he is suited to radio commentating, not TV. Brundle also seems to be a bit sick of him. However i'm not suggesting to get James Allen back, the BBC already have an excellent replacement on their payroll - David Croft. He's the person who does the Radio 5 live commentary alongside Anthony Davidson. He's knowlegable, quick and likeable.

Otherwise well done the BBC.

[Mblaster]

THREAD REVIVAL - Thought it was better than a new thread.

Now that we are 4 races in what do people think of the BBC's coverage? On the whole i think its outstanding, particularly the red button features.

There is just one hideous fly in otherwise excellent ointment, and predictably his name is Johnathan Legard. I feel sorry the man, I really do, he's getting alot of stick on internet forums everywhere. The simple fact is he is suited to radio commentating, not TV. Brundle also seems to be a bit sick of him. However i'm not suggesting to get James Allen back, the BBC already have an excellent replacement on their payroll - David Croft. He's the person who does the Radio 5 live commentary alongside Anthony Davidson. He's knowlegable, quick and likeable.

Otherwise well done the BBC.

Have to say I agree completely, although I would add that Eddie Ervine is an idiot, but it gives us someone to laugh at so it's not too bad

[how1]

The Anchor man is great but EE is a plonker i agree. At least we don't have those annoying advert breaks!

[Shad]

I'm quite enjoying the banter between DC and Eddie Jordan, but agree Legard isn't great at the moment. There seems to be a lot of repeating of information that's on screen rather than useful insights or anything else.

I've been watching live practice on the web site though which has been great. The commentary with Anthony Davidson and David Croft is first class.

Suddenly noticed the downside of no advert breaks - no loo breaks either!!

[[DW]Cougho]

I want Jordan to say at least until him and DC get to fisticuffs.

[jimborae]

Legard is boring & annoying as is the onscreen bitch fest that is DC & Eddie Jordan. The sooner DC decks him and gets on with it the better. Personally and I know that i'm in a very small minority but i would like to see James Allen & Mark Blundell brought back onboard in their respective roles. I feel Allen was very unfairly hurt by the "Stop the Cock" campaign and did a decent job of making F1 accessable to general public. And I love the red button coverage.

[Mblaster]

Eddie Jordan

Doh, brain was asleep

[gaz12]

Not to fussed about if its on itv or bbc as long as it dont go on sky etc.

[this_is_gav]

Personally and I know that i'm in a very small minority but i would like to see James Allen & Mark Blundell brought back onboard in their respective roles. I feel Allen was very unfairly hurt by the "Stop the Cock" campaign and did a decent job of making F1 accessable to general public. And I love the red button coverage.

James Allen is fair enough. I don't like his commentary, but he knows his stuff.

But Blundell? Has there ever been a more dumbed-down role in TV history? I know he's not the most complete tool in the box, but he's not quite that dim. Other than that, there's his complete inability to speak the language of the viewers that was infuriating. Frankly, I've never seen a bloke more out of place.

I'm with most. Jordan's annoying me, but he's got a bit of a spark going on, which might just be enough to cover the gaffs. I thought Mike Gascoyne in China was excellent in his role though. I read someone comparing Legard's style to a horse racing commentator, and ever since I know exactly what they mean. He's just repeating the same "and there's Button followed by Vettel" or repeating the top 10. There's no banter going on, little discussion, no chemistry at all. All done in monotone, and any excitement suffering the same problem as Allen - all faked and in stages.

I thought Croft commentating on the GP2 last season was awful but in the practice sessions he's been excellent - far better than Legard anyway. I doubt they'll change it this season, but I expect him to be the lead commentator next year.