2nd Class Host for Christmas?

We now know a bit more about the BBC's F1 coverage for next year - it's probably best if you don't get TOO excited.

Whilst Sky are busy launching their new dedicated F1 channel and getting their bank account reinforced, we already know that the excellent Brundle and equally good Kravitz are heading their direction. Along with just about everyone from 5Live, plus 3 microphones, a desk, 9 cameras and a slightly dented filing cabinet. And a lot of viewers.

And what are us hopeless poor people (or conscientious Murdoch objectors) getting in return? Ben Edwards!

Who?

Ben Edwards! He did some Touring Car commentary apparently. Ooo... tumbleweed!

In response to my terrified question on twitter "Please tell me he's not another Legard/Allen?!", I was advised that he's nearly as interesting and good as those two by @Pickledegg101 and @BBQMushroom. I've not met either of these fine, upstanding twitchums, but obviously I value their opinions without question and believe them completely. I am therefore not filled with joyous anticipation.

Mr Edwards will be doing his best to commentate with Coulthard, whilst the Scottish Ex-F1 driver repeatedly says KERS in a way that sounds like 'cares', and sides with the front-runners and teams as usual. Still, we won't be seeing very much of the minnows in our 10 cut-down-coverage races anyway, will we?

No particular criticism of Sky, Brundle or Kravitz though. Sky are wisely putting together a team of excellent people. Shame the BBC can't offer them the right package financially, or in terms of coverage, needed to retain them.

Next year, although the BBC will have a full crew at all races, they will also be fighting with Sky to get interviews and time with the teams, which I'm guessing will mean less for the BBC.

Happy Christmas.

(Some ancient Blues dude called Bill Bill Broonzy is currently entertaining me with his "Whiskey And Good Time Blues".)

Comments

Malaysian Grand Prix - Vettel hot, but not bothered

Malaysia. It's always hot, and it always rains. Except the 2nd part is no longer true (unless you count the drizzly bit around lap 14). Saturday's qualifying session had highlighted the fact that Red Bull and McLaren seemed well matched on pace, but also that Ferrari were struggling. Whilst Vettel bagged another pole, followed by Hamilton, Webber and Button, Alonso was only 5th, and Massa 7th, with Nick Heidfeld an excellent 6th on the grid between the two red cars. At this point, I would like to break momentarily for a small rant: How many times do I have to say Heidfeld is good? Why wasn't he given a top drive years ago? WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?! ARE YOU BLIND!!!?? Ahem. The Hispanias somehow managed to a) turn up b) remember to bring cars c) get both of them on the track d) actually get both of them within 107%. Pretty remarkable really. Oh, and it didn't rain. Race day looked a more likely candidate for a drop of the wet stuff. The start was exciting, with

I know I'll regret this...

For @Feisty_Onion @BroughtonLass @LizWestmorland Me... before the grumpiness set in. Have a great weekend.

Senna bags Willy drive?

The great thing about F1 rumours is that they change every 5 minutes. Just last week it was looking like Barrichello might be back in at Williams, as new engines, tech staff and a general reshuffle would mean they needed someone who actually knew what they were doing in an F1 car. Which rules out Maldonado, obviously. Now it looks like Senna might be about to get a seat with the team where his Uncle lost his life. I'm sure Bruno's mum must be delighted. I don't hold with all this superstitious mumbo-jumbo though, and with the extraordinary level of safety in modern F1 cars, Bruno should be pretty safe. There is one significant problem with Williams signing him though - and this is going to be a bit unpopular I suspect - Bruno isn't very good. Yes, he put in a couple of reasonable performances with Renault, but Nick Heidfeld (ah... Nick and his lovely beard...) would have been able to do likewise, has he not been dropped. And then they dropped Senna too. Thi

grumpyf1

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