David Addison has been confirmed as ITV Sport’s new lead commentator for its Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship coverage.
Addison will join former BTCC title winner and long-time series commentator Tim Harvey in the commentary box for all ten events this season, which will once again be broadcast live on ITV4 and ITV4 HD.
He replaces Toby Moody, who has returned full-time to his MotoGP commentaries with Eurosport after just single season with ITV, who in turn stepped in to replace Ben Edwards after his departure to the BBC F1 team in 2011.
Addison is one of the most recognisable voices to British motor racing fans over the past two decades, having worked for a variety of championships broadcast on the BBC, Channel 4, Sky Sports and Motors TV.
His many television commentary credits include the Australian V8 Supercars, German Touring Cars, Le Mans, Spa 24 hours, Blancpain Endurance Series and British F3/GT.
He has been involved in BTCC track-side commentary since the early 1990s, as well as the writing and production of BTCC event programmes since the late 1990s.
His appointment to the ITV BTCC line-up will be the most high profile role on UK television of his career so far. As well as the BTCC, Addison will commentate on the channel’s coverage of the Porsche Carrera Cup.
The 40-year-old from Daresbury in Cheshire said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining ITV4 for this year’s BTCC.
“The championship gives the best racing in the country and that, coupled with the superb television coverage, makes it a dream job.
“To be working with Steve Rider, Tim Harvey, Louise Goodman and the rest of the ITV team is a huge honour and I can’t wait to get started.
“The first BTCC race I saw was in 1978 and I’ve seen the championship evolve ever since, through multi-class races, Super Touring and now the NGTC era.
“All have given great racing, but 2013 offers a bigger entry than single-class BTCC has ever had, four former champions on the grid, new tyre regulations and the promise of the best-ever season of racing.
“There’s going to be a lot going on for Tim and I to describe, but with new cars, new teams, returning drivers, it is a challenge to relish.
“Roll on Brands Hatch at the end of March!”
Tony Pastor, Controller of Sport at ITV, commented: “We are delighted to welcome David to our BTCC team and believe that his extensive knowledge of the championship and his authoritative delivery will be popular with our viewers.
“The BTCC has provided some truly memorable moments for ITV and we believe David’s passion for motorsport will do justice to those moments.
“We look forward to David and our excellent co-commentator Tim Harvey describing what we believe will be another nail-biting season – particularly with four champions out on the grid.
“We thank Toby Moody for his hard work in 2012 and wish him all the best with his MotoGP commitments.”
Addison’s new commentary partner Tim Harvey added: “I am delighted to be working alongside David this year.
“I have known him for many years and his knowledge and passion for the BTCC are unrivalled.
“BTCC fans can rest assured that the hot seat in the commentary box is in good hands.”
Alan Gow, BTCC Series Director, said: “David has been an intrinsic part of the BTCC paddock for many years and we’re delighted that he’ll be taking up the role as ITV commentator.
“David is experienced and knowledgeable about motor sport and BTCC in particular, so I am sure he will hit the ground running when the series gets underway at Brands Hatch.
“He will do a fine job in conveying the action to the many people watching on television.”
The 2013 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship season begins on March 30-31 at Brands Hatch with live coverage of all ten meetings throughout the season on ITV4 and ITV4 HD, plus late-night highlights on ITV.
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Any news on when the highlights will start, if at all?