29/12/2010
NEWS STORY
Although the BBC has yet to make any form of announcement, it is understood that David Coulthard will join Martin Brundle in the commentary box for its coverage of this year's F1 season.
Earlier this year we reported that that there was unease with the current partnership, Brundle claiming that there was a lack of chemistry between he and commentator Jonathan Legard.
The news that Legard might be dropped was warmly greeted by many fans, message boards having witnessed adverse comments about his commentating style ever since he began in 2009.
Now, following Legard's own admission that he was likely to be dropped, it is claimed that David Coulthard will join Brundle in the commentary box, the Englishman taking Legard's place as commentator and the Scot - who retired from F1 at the end of 2008 - giving the 'drivers eye' view of events.
According to the Daily Mail, the BBC is taking a "massive gamble" on the move, not only in terms of giving Brundle the lead commentary role but also in terms of having two former drivers covering the broadcast as opposed to trained journalists.
According to the British newspaper, Brundle was instrumental in the decision, the Englishman having managed the Scot whilst he was driving for McLaren and then Red Bull.
While there is concern that the coverage could run into problems should Brundle be delayed in getting to the commentary box after his traditional grid-walk, other fear that Coulthard's newfound prominence could see the show become even more of a Red Bull love fest than is already the case.
While the BBC has yet to announce anything officially, it will also be interesting to see who replaces Coulthard in his role of pundit alongside Eddie Jordan.