It could be “hello Richard Hammond” and “goodbye Gary Lineker” after a
dramatic day during which broadcasters battled for Britain’s most popular
sports rights.
Hammond, the Top Gear presenter who survived a high-speed crash, is in pole
position to become the face of Formula One after the BBC reclaimed the sport
in a £200 million deal.
In a surprise move, ITV dumped Formula One after 12 years, claiming that it
was not commercially viable despite the emergence of Lewis Hamilton as a
British contender for the world championship.
The BBC plans a “brighter, bolder, faster” presentation, screening races live
via broadband and mobile phones as well as conventional television.
But last night ITV claimed victory in the sports battle after retaining rights
to live midweek Champions League football, which is vital for the network’s
ratings and advertisers.
The football deal means Gary Line-ker and Alan Hansen, the BBC’s top pundits,
have little top-flight action to justify their £2 million three-year
contracts. The BBC has also lost the FA Cup and live England matches.
ITV is believed to have offered Adrian Chiles, the popular presenter of the
BBC The One Show, a £750,000-a-year position as the “face of football”, with
the Champions League as a lure. There will be plenty for Lineker and Hansen
to do, the BBC insisted. The BBC will screen live games from the
Championship next year, offering fixtures such as Scunthorpe United versus
Colchester.
The Top Gear team, however, will be let loose in the Monte Carlo pit lane and
Formula One’s other glamorous locations in an attempt to extend the audience
beyond “petrolheads”.
Murray Walker, the veteran commentator and never one for understatement, said
he was “absolutely flabbergasted” at the sport’s return to the BBC. However,
MPs questioned the corporation’s decision to spend £200 million on an event
already shown on terrestrial television.
ITV activated a break clause in its contract with the motor sport’s governing
body, Bernie Ecclestone’s Formula One Administration.
Races, which take place off-peak on Sundays and sometimes in the early hours,
attract a relatively small audience compared with the six million who watch
a midweek Champions League football match.
The BBC was offering a “fresh face” and a commitment to exploit Formula One
fully across radio, television and digital media during the five-year deal,
Mr Ecclestone said.
Coverage will be influenced by the success of the Jeremy Clarkson-fronted Top
Gear when the five-year deal begins next year. Dominic Coles, BBC director
of sport rights, said: “When Lewis Hamilton did a test lap on Top Gear it
got more viewers than the Brazilian Grand Prix. Bernie was very impressed
with the Top Gear proposition and there will be cross-fertilisation between
the show and the races.”
Clarkson and James May, Hammond’s co-conspirators, will also join in the grand
prix fun but insiders believe “The Hamster” has a special affinity with
drivers after his crash.
Web message boards yesterday urged the BBC to revive The Chain, the Fleetwood
Mac theme which accompanied race coverage.
Walker said: “I was lying in bed listening to the news this morning and I
almost fell out of bed when I heard it. It’s an amazing development because
I think ITV did and do a superb job.”
Andrew Mackinlay, the Labour MP, said Formula One should be shown on
commercial television and the licence fee directed towards “real,
competitive” sport.
The BBC promised that money would not be diverted from coverage of grassroots
sports.
Gearing up for trouble
— Richard Hammond was seriously injured after crashing a jet-powered dragster
at 300mph
— Top Gear was accused of causing environmental damage after presenters drove
across the Makgadikgadi salt pans in Botswana and a Scottish peat bog
— A race across the Arctic Circle was condemned by Greenpeace as “highly
irresponsible”
— The BBC had to apologise and pay damages to a Somerset parish council after
Jeremy Clarkson rammed a pickup truck into a chestnut tree
— Stunts were criticised by MPs in 1999 for being “obsessed with acceleration”
while road safety campaigners called for the show to be scrapped claiming it
“glamourises speed”
— Clarkson was also criticised after saying the Daihatsu Copen was “a bit
ginger beer”, Cockney rhyming slang for “queer”.
Source: Times database
When F1 moved to ITV I was worried that the coverage would be substandard, but adverts aside, they have done a good job by making it more informative. I just hope the rumours Hammond presenting it are incorrect because if the dumbing down of Top Gear is anything to go by, the coverage will be woefully lacking in genuine insight and enthusiasm. I implore the BBC not to let this man or the current Top Gear team anywhere near F1. Use Brundle et al instead!
Paul, Bristol, UK
Its about time F1 went back to the BBC. ITV do a good job, but one thing that bothers me, is that during the race, we get commercials every 10 or 15 minutes which just ruins the whole race. We don't get commercials showing during STUPID football so why should we get them during an F1 race. But I'd love to see Clarkson/Hammond/May with Mark Blundell introducing the F1 & the finish, have the normal grid walk with Martin, in-looks, etc. And of course, have Martin Brundle commentating, he's one of, if not, the best commentaters in any sport, have James Allen, or even Damon Hill commentating, that would be great to have Hill in that role, he done a very good job last at the Hungarian Grand Prix last year dispite a couple of mistakes he made, but he done a great job for his first commentating race.
Wayne, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Great Britain
Worth the license fee if they drop James Allen. The Radio 5 crew do a great job on the commentary/pitlane so they could be used or bring over the A1GP team. I would keep Martin Brundle as the driver/engineering expert.
David, Ballyclare, Northern Ireland
This gets better & better... just so long as the BBC bring Brundle over to keep on doing the commentating, perhaps still partnered by James Allen + Murray Walker appearing when he can.
And also bring over Louise Goodman to continue interviewing drivers after they've dropped out of the race.......... leaving Clarkson, Hammond & May to introduce / close the show (like Steve Ryder does on the ITV at present, only better) + do the equivalent of "Brundle's Gridwalk" during the build-up (though that is one of the best bit's of ITV's existing coverage).
John Duck, Whitby, UK
I've watched Formula 1 avidly since the early eighties, and I think ITV have done a much better job than many, myself included, would have thought possible. That said, I'm delighted to see it return to the BBC.
I say a big "thank you" to all the Top Gear team for creating some of the funniest and most memorable TV of recent years: more power to yours and the Beeb's elbow, but let's make sure Top Gear stays in its current form so we don't kill the goose that laid the golden egg.
The Hamster in the Steve Rider role would be fine, but let's keep Martin Brundle - he's a natural commentator and hugely incisive. Louise Goodman is also highly professional and has great persistence. Ted Kravitz and James Allen are perfectly OK but somewhat uninspiring. Adding Jezza and James into the mix before the races would be huge fun and may re-create some of the spirit of the sport sadly lacking in these days when huge companies have taken over from those who years ago just wanted to race.
Ian, Kingston, UK
I cannot help feeling that the BBC has returned to F1 just too late, since F1 is becoming in itself out-of-date & is now the province of very complex rules, lawyers, enormous expense & consumption & lots of expensive people.
Car racing used to be defended on the grounds that it ‘improved the breed’ & we owe to racing many of the improvements to road-holding, braking & performance. However, F1 now seems to be restricting development eg no traction control, whilst forcing the carmakers to concentrate on compliance with ever-changing strange rules.
So what should F1 do? I suggest that all of the existing rules be replaced by just one based on fuel consumption. This would restrict fuel for races, qualifying & testing & the rule would be tightened year by year. The net result would be continued improvement to engineering migrating to vehicles which the general public use & wasn’t it fun seeing the ‘big & important’ cars humiliated by running out of fuel, as we saw a few years ago?
David, London, UK
This is brilliant! Hamster will do a wonderful job. Congratulations BBC.
Buffy, Perth,
I just want to say: "Good on the BBC!"
The Formula 1, is a massively enjoyable sport, which for many is seem as the culmination of all "on-track" motor sport. As a result the promotion of this sport affects the many housands who take part, in or support any motor sporting events.
I am, frankly astonished that any serious person could describe motor racing as anything other than a “real, competitive†sport.
Philip Day - 18, Heathfield, East Sussex
I've long held the view that for arm chair fans like myself, Formula One would forever remain turgid viewing as long as James Allen kept hold of the mike. So in that respect, its great that F1 is going back to the Beeb.
As for the new commentary team, the BBC needs someone who can instill enthusiasm on a viewing audience, even when there are 30 laps to go and the leading cars have already lapped everyone else twice. Having already broadened the appeal of 'Robert Wars' beyond 30 something anoracks, surely Jonathan Pearce offers the only credible solution?
Peter Robertson, Casthetown, Isle of Man
Does this mean I won't have to listen to Martin "Bungle" flapping his way embarasingly up the grid like an idiot, kicking things over and annoying the drivers, and "Captain Interesting" James Allen not even knowing the difference between the drivers and cars next season? If so, there is a God!!
However, please do not bring Murray Walker back. The guy may have been the voice of F1 but he is, to be polite, past it. Anyone who watched the Race of Champions last time round will understand what I mean.
Dan, Bromsgrove,
If the BBC is daft enough to draft the Top Gear team onto it's F1 coverage, I will do what I already do for rugby on the Beeb - mute the volume (except when it's Eddie Butler and Brian Moore). The BBC is astonishing in its obsession with recycling its stable of "personalities", most of whom have clearly undergone a personality (no quotes) bypass.
David Lewis, Bristol,
The Hammond proposition is either a wild rumour or a truly awful idea.
"It's fair to say that I'm not exactly a Formula One motor racing fan." was Hammond's opening sentence on a recent Top Gear episode in which he drove a Renault F1 car. He may have claimed to have found a new respect for the drivers after his experience, but he remains completely unsuitable for race commentary.
Of course, the line about not being a Formula One fan could have been a lie. As much as I love Top Gear, I have to acknowledge that so much of that show is unashamedly staged.
Toby Knight, York,
Martin Brundle is vital as an Anchor to Formula 1, his indepth knowledge and ability to speak to anyone in the paddock and on the grid is great viewing.
Top Gear has lost all focus they don;t even review cars anymore it's like a comedy driving show.
Paul Richardson, Witton Park,
The BBC seriously cannot let Top Gear near F1. I dread to think what a disaster it would be.
Hammond has frequently said he doesn't like F1 so why would he want to commit all that time to covering it. The idea that he has an affinity with drivers because he had a big crash is farcical.
Although it may not be obvious I love Top Gear but mixing Top Gear and F1 would be like mixing brussel sprouts and ice cream. They are both good in their own particular setting but will never work together.
If Hammond would be a questionable appointment the other two would be ridiculous.
Steven Roy, Troon,
I hope martin brundle stays on to do his commentating has he knows what he's talking about.Has i am a fan of top gear i don't think they will do has good a commentary has martin does and I'd rather see Louise Goodman has see seems to no more about f1 than the top gear team do. Altogether i think it's a bad move to the BBC has i think it will ruin the sport has the top gear team will turn it into a joke
darren, mansfield,
"It is unlikely that the BBC will be showing Colchester v Scunthorpe in the championship as they are last and second to last at the moment
glyn, telford, SHROPS"
It's been said as a dig at the footage. I will gladly watch Championship coverage as I'm sure other people who enjoy watching football will. Maybe the ones who are only drawn by the injected glamour (Super Soccer Sunday Supremo Supergame!!) of the Premiership and only watch the big four will turn away though.
Jamie, Halifax, West Yorkshire
Wow...Like Murray Walker I am "totally flabbergasted"... never has my gast been so flabbered!
Not by the shift from ITV to the Beeb...
By the volume of support for Martin "no one will talk to me so I`ll harangue this minor celeb instead" Bungle..oops..I mean Brundle.
Do you folk actually watch the races?
The man may be an ex F1 driver (rather a mediocre one at best) but his sommentary skills are hardly incisive.
He`s always a good 5 seconds behind spotting a blown engine or an obvious gearbox problem, beaten for speed of observation by the armchair viewers like me... a bit like his racing career.
One total godsend in all this shuffle is the impending dole queue status of James Allan. I dont think F1 has ever had such a woefully inept and ill informed nobody at the helm in all its history.
Steve Ryder should come back to the Beeb, and Mark Blundell should be given the mic when the red lights go out.
Despite my gripes... NO ADVERTS!!
now that is worth a cheer!
Phil J N, Liverpool,
Hammond? Why not have Maureen of Driving School drive for Ferrari aswell?
One easy way to loose viewers in my opinion.
Steve Herbert, Manchester,
This is another ITV "News at ten" moment and one I think they will regret later. The changes in car specs, more races including night racing plus the emergence of a real British sporting success story are all set to make F1 even more exciting this year. Well done BBC. No madverts during races is an absolute bonus!
David T, Sheffield, UK
All I ask is that the BBC don't carry on with the Lewis Hamilton show
alan burden, mijas pueblo, España
Goodbye Walker, hello Hammond - talk about good news / bad news.
Ken Leyland, Liverpool, U.K.
That’s a lot of money for Scalextric.
Why not give the 200m to the Top Gear trio…..now that would be fun.
Dave, Ellesmere,
Please please please BBC keep Martin Brundle in F1, it was bad enough losing Murray Walker, we can't lose Martin as well! Martin's been there and done the job of driving those cars, he's an ex-F1 driver, he knows what he's talking about - just surviving a crash like Hammond did does not qualify him to talk knowledgeably about F1 for goodness sake!
Anne, Cumbria,
Thank god no more adverts at the wrong time
D.Aggett, horley, gb
If you really want to see bad coverage of the F1s-move to Australia-apart from the Australian Grand Prix all GPs are shown after 11pm at night and as for the qualifying-3 am if they bother.One big question though-will Hammond be worse than James Allen?
Trevor,Melbourne-Australia
trevor clark, melbourne, australia
'The BBC will screen live games from the Championship next year, offering fixtures such as Scunthorpe United versus Colchester'. Doubt it as it looks like both teams will be relegated to League One!
Mick, Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire
I have no doubt that the BBC will do an excellent job of covering Formula 1. Not that it would be hard to do better than the biased, boorish, McLaren centric, Ferrari hating coverage provided by the current morons ( Murray Walker excluded). The exceptionally high standards of the BBC and its awareness that it is reporting for a global audience, not some rabble that still hasn't come to terms with the 20 th Century will be a welcome change. About time.
Ottavio, Melbourne, Australia
For goodness sake, not Hammond - please. In Canada we have a choice between the ITV feed and SpeedTV (Varsha, Hobbs, etc) and always choose Brundle and Allen. But if Hammond comes on-line, it'll be SpeedTv except during their commercials when I can flick back to Hammond and turn the noise down.
Paul Adam, Toronto,
yeh yeh yeh we can all see that the PRO MISTER BRUNDLE needs to do the grid walk ,he's the best .... but lets give hamster his chance ....jm and jc may even find themselves out of their league .... hello nick from malaga and all all the other spanglish commentaters on this subject ........ ken england competa malaga
ken england, competa malaga, spain
Murray Walker used to be the must for the show.
The clear prerequisite now is Martin Brundle.
Trying to replace him would be insanity.
Ashley, Plymouth,
BBC must get Martin Brundle, Mark Blundell too. ITV have not used Mark to best advantage, all he gets to say is "Yes Steve ....." (Ryder that is).
Forget Top Gear presenters, it is not a motoring program, it's light entertainment with some cars in the program.
Martin Collyer, Bristol, UK
What a crashing bore. How about making it a prerequisite that motor sports commentators must be International Competition Licence holders? Eliminate the boy racers.
Andrew Milner, Karuizawa, Japan
Clarkson and Co. front a jokey motor program.PLEASE not
F1.-I enjoy Top Gear for what it is -a schoolboys approach to
fast cars.Martin Brundle and crew MUST be brought over to
BBC .Martin Brundle does know and understand what is
going onand presents calmly and explains what is happening
in language we can ALL understand.---Don't care about the music!
eric goodliff, Alicante, Spain
Getting rid of the adverts is a great move, but ITV have improved things a lot since taking over from the Beeb, I rember the days when you where lucky to get the full race from them. I have to agree with M Jeffs about the choice of presenters, the only one worth keeping is Martin Brundle and don't let the Hamster anywhere near it.
Geoff, Woodville,
As many others have commented please please get Martin Brundle and as a bonus the pit crew from the ITV team to cross over to the BBC because they know the teams and their input is interesting.
My dad just commented that he would love The Chain to be the theme tune again because it will send shivers down his spine, in a good way = memories of Senna, Prost, Mansell & so on :0)
As for top formula gear one - sounds fab, just dont forget Brundle :0)
Charlotte Clark, Wootton Bassett, UK
No, Richard Hammond is not the preferred choice as presenter. He's shot himself in the foot with his past comments about F1.
They should offer a choice of commentary feeds - one for people who need hype to enjoy the spectacle and one for those wanting insight.
John, London, UK
It is unlikely that the BBC will be showing Colchester v Scunthorpe in the championship as they are last and second to last at the moment
glyn, telford, SHROPS
Please Mr BBC not Richard Hammond, he's so boring and a bit Top Gear (rhyming slang?) himself,and he always tries to hard to be funny, but isn't, He know's nothing about F1 and openly admits he doesn't like it. Give Martin Brundle a ring, you always get the impression he knows what he's talking about.
Will, Hannover, Germany
I'm delighted that we will soon no longer have to suffer commercial breaks during a Grand Prix, and the prospect of not having James Allen and Louise Goodman is also pleasing, but the BBC, if it has any sense, must keep Martin Brundle. I'd love Fleetwood Mac's "Chain" too, but would sacrifice it to keep Brundle and his knowledgable, intelligent comments.
Sheona Hutcheson, Bucks, GB
Clarkson 'cocking about' in the pre-race show will be fine and probably rather entertaining but not James or Richard, neither of them know or care about F1 at all and as a result, would be pretty useless at presenting, especially Hammond fronting it, 'affinity' with the drivers or not. Clarkson, however, is a life long fan of the sport.
I hope the BBC bring Martin Brundle over from ITV, he's the knowledgable, 'oricle' guy who deserves to stay in the commentray box and we'll need his Grid Walks!!! The BBC could also promote their Five Live commentators, such as Maurice Hamilton, to TV coverage. Being able to watch it online will be great too.
Paul, Portsmouth, UK
On the whole, people are like sheep and will watch what they are brainwashed into believing is good TV.
F1 is tedious rubbish and has been since the early 1980s and Top Gear is a popular entertainment show presented by three comedians.
It matters not which channel these programmes are shown on and how they are interelated - I will not be watching.
Since the coming of satellite television, we can all choose which sports to watch - for me it is motorcycle racing (motor sport where passing actually takes place). Unlike in the 70s and early 80s when I had to watch F1 to get my motor racing fix, there is now more than enough 'proper' racing to keep me satisfied.
Hope Murray gets the gig though - I've spoken to the great man and he's a top bloke and a bike enthusiast!
Richard, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire
No one but Richard Hammond to front F1 and he will be at Bernie's level. Make sure F1 drivers do the Top Gear lap. Best value from the Beeb for many years.
Darryl Thurairajah, Blackwood, Gwent
Top Gear has been rubbish ever since the Fiat Multipla was voted car of the year and it's presenters are like overgrown schoolboys. Mind you it's about what F1 deserves because it really is like watching paint dry as all these millionaires drive their advertising signs in procession behind one another.
Boring isn't the word for it - watch superbikes or Moto GP if you want to see racing.
Mullarkian, York,
clarkson and crowd in the gp pit lane?
would think dennis will not give him equal status and certainly for a supposedly serious sport cannot imagine the gaffes that they are likely to bring to the screen.
fortunately plenty of alternative feeds via the internet so can do my normal when clarkson is on, switch away.
john haydon rowe, javea,
this is brilliant, combining two of the most popular car related terrestrial viewings with the entertaining hosts of the bbc amalgamated with the adrenaline fuelled sport of F1, lets face it the most boring thing about itv is the drole presenters it has, now the presenters will have opinions people listen too.
Mark Ferreira, newcastle, england
No James Allen commentary?
That has to be worth £200 million surely?
Be nice to have Brundle stay on though
Paul, Nottingham, UK
Hammond is NOT a person who should present F1 . It should be someone older and more "into" F1 and a bit less childish.
Steven, Guildford, UK
i think its a good idea for bbc and f1.good luck louie hammerton for title
r hammond, bristol, uk
Keep Clarkson's buffoonery and hyperbole confined to the pre-race, and out of the lap by lap commentary, and Hammon would be just fine.
All things considered, I'd rather have Tiff Needell. At least he's had an F1 start!
Chris, Stony Brook, NY
Please no, Martin Brundle is the man for F1 coverage it like suggesting Mr Brundle presents Top Gear
Andrew, Nottinham,
Please not Richard Hammond - he like Ant & Dec rolled into one.
Mullarkian, York,
Just Fantastic. If Clarkson is on F1 races I will deffitely be tuning in to watch. I think its been atleast a year since I watched F1 as its often far too boring.
Bringing in Hammond and the top gear team will really bring F1 back to life. I hope the stig is in on this as well. Maybe he can test drive the F1 cars :)
Chris, Bristol,
As the BBC is a pubically funded organisation, how do they cover the corporate advertising on the cars and the sites.
Douglas A Steadman, Reading, Berkshire
Formula 1 is a serious sport to it's followers. Top Gear, on the other hand, has a bunch of immature adults playing about with vehicles which few of us can afford. Are the two compatible?
D.Henry, Edinburgh, Scotland UK
the BBC proposing to offer F1 £2 million for TV rights, isn't it a bit early for an April Fools joke??!!
Brian, east kilbride,
As a licence payer, I object to having to contribute to the ludicrous salaries the likes of Hansen and Lineker are paid. Why not just go straight to the highlights and remove the tedious chatter? Football presenters add nothing to the enjoyment of the game and are therefore an expensive irrelevance.
Stephen, Glasgow,
Formula 1 needs a fresh approach - it has been "stale" for too long. A new presenter, along with a new season, will not only prove to be popular, but will also ensure the longitivity of the sport. I'm looking forward - F1 has become too "serious" of late and in order to attract new viewers it needs to be fresh, vibrant and thrilling. Bring it on!
Mark, Swansea,
Looking forwards to seeing Lineker and Hanson at Swansea next seaon! Tee Hee!
Matt, Cheshire, uk
NO, NO, NO, PLEASE NO! Top Gear may be popular, but so is binge drinking. He represents a motorised element of yob culture that gets thrills from televising outrageous destructive stunts often requiring TG presenters to emulate teenage boys with too many toys. Hammond (along with his TG mates) treats things he dislikes with contempt. He is shallow and loves BMW and Ferrari. He CANNOT be allowed to act as the BBC's 'face of F1'
Colin Tozer, Sarlat, France
Richard Hammond and the Top Gear team to present F1 coverage? Pull the other one! I know it's a Bank Holiday, but come on - you can do better than that!
Sam Tana, Preston, UK
In addition to be a great commentator, Brundle is intelligent and articulate.
Laura, Hampshire,
Top Gear is more about Boys With Their Toys Behaving Badly than cars or motoring. In many ways it's a sort of antidote to the politically correct, "nanny state" times we live in. I doubt if this approach is right for F1. Hammond will attract a wider audience but might well turn off those who follow F1 seriously and want a more technical, interpretive approach, such as is provided by Martin Brundle. Getting the balance right will be difficult. F1 generally offers (not always!) an exciting spectacle but it's also incredibly technical, with much of the interest lying under the surface, hidden from the uninformed observer.
Deadbeat, Estoril, Portugal
Top Gear is an extremely popular programme. The viewing figures prove that. Perhaps it is time to bring entertainment back to F1?
The sport has become a tad predictable, and the TV coverage not very entertaining. Perhaps the TG Team can bring that missing spark back and increase the fan base for the sport.
I for one will look forward to the almost certian change in presentation style, since Murray left it just hasn't been as good as it could be.
Also, why don't they review the rules and introduce measures that make it more competitive and therefore exciting. Cricket needed a boot and came up with 20/20 games etc., F1 should do the same.
David Barrett, Rugby, Warwickshire
I sincerely hope that Brundle is recruited by the BBC and Louise Goodman left behind. I think the best line-up would include Martin Brundle and Vicki Butler-Henderson doing the Goodman bit along with an ex-racer; say Hill or Needell taking the anchor role. I would prefer people with real racing experience and knowledge who therefore held in reasonable regard by the F1 participants and viewers. In that respect Hammond and May are lightweights with no racing experience. They would be lost without the leader of their 5 year old schoolboy style gang. Their pathetic japey humour is not rquired in F1.
M Jeffs, Bucks, UK
In response to Andrew Mackinlay, the Labour MP, stating that Formula One should be shown on commercial television and the licence fee directed towards “real, competitive†sport.
I would just like to say, for those of us who follow F1 this smacks as unfair, biased, and hypocritical. After all, isn't this the government that have squandered billions on the Olympics?!
As for the return to the BBC, I am pleased. Pleased because there will be no more adverts and no more cutting away from critical racing (San Marino 2006 springs to mind). I would like to see new 'fresh faces' as Mr Ecclestone desires, however I agree that some knowledge of the sport is essential.
So the likes of Louise Goodman, Ted Kravitz & Martin Brundell should remain as a core team. By all means, then, circulate 'personalities' around that.
Joseph Player, Nottingham, UK
One assumes this is Auntie's way of punishing Martin Brundle for defecting to ITV in the first place - a bad case of cutting off your nose to spite your face.
Like John McEnroe's tennis commentaries, Martin Brundle's on F1 don't simply describe what you can see on the screen anyway, but offer valuable insight into the inner game. If you have a former participant in a sport who is also an accomplished commentator, then only a fool would fail to employ him.
Ian Kemmish, Biggleswade, UK
While I am a fan of Top Gear, I will greatly miss Martin Brundle's F1 commentaries - if indeed he isn't to be taken on by the BBC. He is excellent. As a former F1 driver he really knows his stuff. I'm not crazy about the "Hampster" commentating - he might feel he has to be funny - although it could be good to see the TG team let loose in the pit-lane.
Laura, Hampshire,
Arrrggghhh. So, good-bye to knowledgable commentators. I've watched F1 for years, and racing is pretty boring these days. The only interesting thing is the commentating, which has never recovered from Murray Walker's departure.
Shauno, London,
Hammond hates Formula 1 - he'd have to backtrack considerably to take this on.
Tim, Maidenhead, UK
God says yes to the superb, full spec RH+JC+JM trio, by far the world's best. That being settled, the next question is 'which former F1 driver will do the walkabouts?'
L. A. Dietz, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Mr Mackinley your comments are tired. If one child can realise his dreams of becoming a racing driver, then I congratulate the BBC for want of broadcasting Formula One when no-one else wanted to. Every child has a dream, and as an MP you should be trying to aid their dreams into reality.
Ben, Coventry,
Although having heard it myself that neither James May nor Richard Hammond watch the F1, I think their brand of good hearted humour and pleasant interjection will be what F1 needs. Bring it on
When these two personable chaps present the F1, you watch the rating soar.
Why not let James May compose a piece of music for the F1?
Lorraine , Stockport, England.
I think Mr Hammond would be a fantastic choice for the job only if MR Walker decides not to take it on. I personally,am very pleased that the BBC have F1 back.
Nick, Malaga, Spain
Richard hammond has stated on TG many times that he thinks F1 is boring and pointless. So how is he going to bring brighter, bolder, faster presentation to something he doesn't like! I don't think this is a real story.
Hope, Sydney,
God No.
Richard Hammond is a fine presenter, but JC and JM presenting F1 will end up as a joke. Who is commentating? If the TopGear team do, what state will BBC coverage be in? Analysis has to be done by people related to the sport, not presenters. Hammond will be fine as sole presenter but it is not viable at all to have two presenters (or more). Even the grid walk must be done by a former driver - Martin Brundle.
Paddy L, Tunbridge Wells, Kent