Ben Edwards, widely regarded as one of motorsport's leading commentators will be joining David Coulthard in the commentary box next season.

Following the mass defection to Sky Sports, which will broadcast all twenty rounds live next season, attention has been focussed on who might replace Martin Brundle as lead commentator.

While the British state broadcaster isn't due to officially confirm its line-up until the new year, earlier today the Daily Telegraph claimed that Edwards has been recruited.

The Englishman subsequently tweeted: "It looks as though it's really happening. I will be the BBC F1 commentator in 2012 and I can't wait!"

In a subsequent tweet, referring to his current employers ITV, for whom he has covered Touring Cars since 2002, he added: "It took a while for things to be sorted, and thanks to ITV for being so understanding. Really looking forward to working with the crew."

Ironically, working alongside John Watson, Edwards was lead commentator for Sky's ill-fated team in 2002, the broadcaster dropping the sport after just one year following a poor take up on subscriptions.

Previous reports citing Jonathan Legard returning to the role after being ousted in favour of David Coulthard appear to be wide of the mark, though James Allen is still being linked with the pitlane job alongside Lee McKenzie.

While the season kicks off in Melbourne, the new broadcasting deal means that the BBC's live race coverage doesn't get underway until the third race of the season - China in mid-April.