After months of speculation and endless rumours circulating around the Formula 1 paddock, Sky Sports has finally unveiled the on-screen team that will bring viewers the most comprehensive F1 coverage ever seen in the UK from next season.
Simon Lazenby will lead the broadcaster’s live output from trackside, which includes uninterrupted coverage of every session throughout each grand prix weekend – including all three practice sessions, qualifying and the race.
The broadcaster has snatched five of the most popular faces and voices from the BBC’s line-up, including the entire Radio 5 Live team of David Croft, Natalie Pinkham and Anthony Davidson.
Martin Brundle, who announced his switch from the BBC over the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend, will link up with Croft in the commentary box, whilst Davidson will provide comment on all of the practice sessions.
The final defector from the BBC team is pit-lane reporter Ted Kravitz, who will also front a regular F1 magazine show alongside Sky Sports News presenter Georgie Thompson.
Completing the Sky line-up on the 2012 starting grid is former BBC and ITV F1 anchor Steve Rider, who will conduct a series of interviews with some of the sport’s greatest and most celebrated figures.
The whole Sky Sports F1 team were paraded extensively across Sky’s news and sports channels throughout the day of the announcement, and posed for various photoshoots and promotional features.
Martin Brundle was in bullish mood about the channel’s offerings, and the challenge of going head-to-head with his former employer, but said that Sky’s coverage will face immediate scrutiny from fans and critics at the first race in Australia next year.
“We’re going to have to come up with the very best stuff to compete (with the BBC), and these guys know it,” Brundle told Autosport.
“I’m confident Sky will throw everything at it to make sure the fan experience is good. Sky spoke to me and when I understood the resource and energy it was putting into this it really appealed to me.
“I am really happy with the team they have assembled. Every day I’ve been involved I’ve become more and more confident I’ve made the right decision,” added Brundle.
David Croft tweeted: “So finally I can spill the beans. Yes, I am joining Sky Sports F1 and will be commentating on every race alongside Martin Brundle. So excited. Delighted that my mates Anthony Davidson, Natalie Pinkham and Ted Kravitz are all going to be part of the new channel as well.
He added: “We’re all at Sky Sports today, feels like the first day at school. I’ve had 6 really happy seasons at 5 Live but so excited about my new job.”
In an interview for the broadcaster’s website, executive producer Martin Turner said: “We’re very fortunate in signing David Croft along with Martin Brundle because, although they have never worked in a direct partnership before, they have worked together for many years, know each other well and know each other’s styles well.
“The other coup is that we have kept David with Anthony Davidson for all the practice sessions. Their commentary pairing is proven and has already deservedly earned plenty of plaudits, combining experience and professionalism.
“Ted Kravitz has huge knowledge of the pitlane and paddock and he and Natalie Pinkham will get the information and access our viewers need,” added Turner.
“In Georgie Thompson and Simon Lazenby we have two of Sky’s homegrown talents – Simon with his vast experience of live broadcasting for someone so young and Georgie as one of the most recognisable faces on Sky.
“We have a production team drawn from across the various sporting disciplines, and they are committed to bringing their expertise to work on this massive new challenge. We can’t wait for it to begin.”
Sky Sports News will also have a sizable presence at each race meeting. Presenter Rachel Brookes confirmed in November that she will host regular updates and features for the sports news channel.
BBC’s 2012 line-up
Sky’s announcement leaves BBC Sport with the task of hiring a completely new commentary partnership for its radio coverage, and a vacancy to fill alongside David Coulthard on its TV coverage.
Experienced motor racing broadcaster Ben Edwards, who commentated on Sky’s F1 Digital+ service in 2002, is favourite to join Coulthard in the BBC booth next year, with other possible contenders including former UK F1 commentators James Allen and Jonathan Legard.
But Allen ruled himself out of the running when questioned on the matter via Twitter. “I’m not looking for a return to full time TV role like the one I had with ITV,” he said.
Presenter Jake Humphrey and pit-lane reporter Lee McKenzie will remain with the terrestrial channel next season, whilst Eddie Jordan confirmed his commitment to the BBC for next year in an RTE radio interview.
For more information on Sky Sports’ F1 coverage – CLICK HERE