JANUARY 11, 2011

Brundle is new BBC main commentator

Martin Brundle has taken on the role of lead F1 TV commentator for the British BBC TV network and will be joined in the commentary box by David Coulthard, the man he used to manage and who, for the past two years, has been a BBC talking head alongside Eddie Jordan in F1 pitlanes.

Brundle's new role comes at the expense of Jonathan Legard, who previously performed the main commentator role with Brundle his co-commentator and expert analyst. The pair, however, did not develop the same sort of rapport that was a pillar of the sport's coverage in the Murray Walker/James Hunt days.

'I'm absolutely delighted and very motivated that BBC Sport has asked me to become the lead F1 commentator alongside David Coulthard," Brundle said. "We have been friends, rivals and colleagues for 18 years and combined we have driven more than 400 grands prix and attended over 700. I've never felt more passionate about F1 and I can't wait to get started."

While F1 drivers becoming involved in TV coverage is not unusual, taking on the lead commentator's role is a bigger challenge for the ex Tyrrell, Zakspeed, Brabham, Benetton, Ligier, McLaren and Jordan driver to come to terms with.

Coulthard added: "I'm very excited to be joining forces with Martin in this new role. F1 is all about challenging yourself and this will be a big challenge for me, but one I am looking forward to."

Legard is currently said to be exploring alternative options both inside and outside F1.