BBC Sport has confirmed its on-air line-up for the 2014 Formula 1 season with former Toyota driver Allan McNish taking up an expanded role across TV and radio.
Following a successful debut for the BBC last season, McNish has signed up to the BBC’s F1 team for a second season as co-commentator for Radio 5 live, commenting on 15 of the 19 races, and will also appear as a regular expert analyst on the BBC’s TV coverage.
The Scotsman will use his extensive experience from across all areas of motorsport to steer audiences through the intricacies of the forthcoming season, which promises to be a fascinating one with all the technical changes ahead.
With a highly successful career spanning karting to F1, including three victories at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, McNish is one of the most respected names in the world of motorsport.
During 2013, he worked as co-commentator alongside James Allen for Radio 5 live, alongside his driving, where he won his third Le Mans 24 Hours and rounded off the year by winning the FIA World Endurance Championship.
“Now that I have hung up my racing helmet, I am really looking forward to joining the BBC team again for what I am sure is going to be a fantastic new F1 season,” said McNish.
“With so many technical rule changes, as well as team and driver movements, there will be lots of things happening on and off track for the BBC team to bring to you.”
McNish completes the BBC on-air team for the new season alongside familiar faces including Suzi Perry, David Coulthard, Eddie Jordan and Ben Edwards.
Absent from the BBC’s TV line-up this year will be Gary Anderson who has left the corporation after two seasons as its technical expert. No official reason has been given for Anderson’s departure.
Chief analyst Eddie Jordan and co-commentator/expert pundit David Coulthard both return for their sixth season with the BBC, while after her first season at the helm in 2013, Suzi Perry resumes her duties as anchor of the BBC’s television coverage for 2014.
Ben Edwards once again leads the commentary on television with Lee McKenzie and Tom Clarkson bringing all the news from the pit lane.
On Radio 5 live, James Allen leads the coverage as Formula 1 correspondent and commentator alongside Allan McNish, with Jennie Gow as F1 presenter and pit lane reporter.
Ben Gallop, BBC’s Head of Formula 1, says: “The 2014 F1 season picks up pace tomorrow as testing begins and the BBC’s F1 team is ready to deliver another exciting year of coverage.
“We’re delighted that Allan McNish is on board with the team this year in an expanded role – his experience and expertise is an invaluable addition, especially as he joins us straight from a highly successful career on the track.
“The strength of our presenting line up is something we are very proud of and it’s great to have them back again for 2014.
“We’re looking forward to the new season and delivering audiences a great package across TV, radio and online.”
The 2014 season marks the third year of the BBC’s shared deal to cover Formula 1 alongside Sky Sports, with the pay-TV network screening all the races live to its subscribers.
BBC TV will show nine races live in 2014, including Silverstone, Canada, Monza and Spa, as well as the season finale from Abu Dhabi, with extended highlights programmes of the remaining races.
Commentary of every race will be broadcast live on Radio 5 live or 5 live sports extra along with live coverage of practice and qualifying – plus all the action, news, reviews via the BBC Sport website and app.
Further details of the BBC’s 2014 season coverage will be announced in due course.
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