Official: Legard out, Brundle and DC in
The BBC has confirmed their "new-look TV commentary team" for the 2011 Formula One season with Martin Brundle moving to the role of lead commentator and David Coulthard joining him as co-commentator.
Brundle will take over from Jonathan Legard who had been the lead commentator since the public broadcaster took over F1 coverage in the UK in 2009.
"I'm absolutely delighted and very motivated that BBC Sport has asked me to become the lead Formula 1 commentator alongside David Coulthard," Brundle said in a statement. "We have been friends, rivals and colleagues for 18 years and combined we have driven in more than 400 F1 Grands Prix and attended over 700. I've never felt more passionate about Formula 1 and I can't wait to get started."
Former McLaren and Red Bull driver Coulthard, who joined the BBC following his retirement in 2008, will continue in his role as expert analyst alongside his new commentary duties.
"I'm very excited to be joining forces with Martin in this new role of co-commentator," he said. "F1 is all about challenging yourself and this will be a big challenge for me, but one that I am looking forward to. There is a great team on the BBC F1 show and we're looking forward to the year ahead and to bringing something new to our loyal viewers."
Ben Gallop, BBC's Head of F1, said the broadcaster wants a change of direction.
"We're keen to make the most of Martin Brundle's wealth of broadcasting experience and his popularity with the audience by giving him the role of lead commentator and putting him alongside David Coulthard, one of the biggest names in British motorsport and a skilled race analyst," Gallop said.
"We want to tap into their combined on-track expertise - together they will provide our viewers with more immediate discussion, analysis and debate as the action happens. The results of screen tests have been very impressive and we are convinced this combination will deliver a fantastic commentary for our audience for what promises to be a thrilling 2011 season.
"The change of direction we are taking unfortunately means there is no place for Jonathan Legard in our commentary set-up. We'd like to take this opportunity to thank Jonathan for his great work over the last two seasons. He is a first-rate journalist and broadcaster who has been a core member of our team, helping to re-establish BBC Sport as the nation's F1 broadcaster. We wish him all the very best for the future."
Legard confirmed via Twitter on Tuesday morning that he is on his way out.
'Life moves on. Ask Nick Heidfeld or @narainracing. You never know what's next. To the critical and the complimentary, thanks for the company,' he wrote on the social-networking site.
Credit: PlanetF1.com (www.planetf1.com)
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