<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Chip:
<B>The man for me has to be Ben Edwards. Has superb knowledge of F1 and is a superb commentator. Anyone who remembers him from F1 on Eurosport will surely agree. The man could make even F1 sound exciting. Something James Allen will never be able to do.

At least Murray was full of enthusiasm and charisma.

Chip.[/quote]

Absolutely spot on chip. Ben is a fantastic commentator, i hoped they would have gone for him. He would have been perfect with Martin, who is brilliant. James allen gets right under my skin, he was incredibly sad last race he covered when he tried to sound all excited aka murray, its was so forced it was embarasing.

He probably sounds sort of convincing to people who know **** all about the sport, i just find him anoying.

I know more about the sport than that guy but no way would i try comentating on it cos it's just not me. At least i recognise that. LOL

 

Well, what do you lot think to this? Is it just me that thinks the guy talks bollox and is a boring fart? LOL

ITV pit-lane reporter James Allen is to become Murray Walker's replacement in the ITV-F1 commentary box, it has been announced.


James has been filling in for Murray on a number of races this year after four years working with the team.

Now he has claimed the ultimate accolade that will see him at the helm starting from next season.


He replaces Murray, who has retired after a 52-year career in motorsport commentary following his final race at last month’s US Grand Prix.


James was raised in motor racing family and has worked in the sport for 12 years. His insightful pit lane and garage reporting has established himself as firm favourite with F1 fans.

On receiving the news, he said, "It is a great honour to take on this role. There have been many excellent commentators in other sports, but in F1 there has only been one and Murray has done it so well and for such a long time. He is a true legend.

"It is a great challenge for the same reason, but I am confident that Martin Brundle and I can take the commentary in a new direction, hopefully to a new audience - entertaining and informing as we go.

"It is also a great time for Formula 1 because the sport is entering a Golden Age. Coming into the sport now is the most exciting crop of young drivers ever and the world’s leading motor manufacturers are committing themselves to the sport like never before, all chasing victory. I can’t wait to get started."

ITV Controller of Sport Brian Barwick added, "James is a very talented young broadcaster who knows the F1 scene inside out.

"Over the past two years he has commentated on grands prixs for us and we have received a warm response from the public and the industry to his performance behind the microphone.

"Taking over from Murray is obviously a huge task but we believe James is the right man to be in the driving seat."

The great man himself, Murray Walker, was also quick to congratulate James, "He has been a trusted colleague for the last four years and I am delighted for him. I am sure he will be gigantically successful."

 

Is it just me that thinks that Murray Walker is way past his sell by date?

re James Allen - it could be worse, it could be Jim Rosenthal! I like Charlie *** who does the BTCC - the Jeremy Clarkson of motoracing commentary

Trout

 

I'm sad to see Murray going - part of the fun of watching the race was to correct his mistakes - he has forgotten morethan most of us ever knew about F1.

When I heard James Allen for the first time I thought he would be OK, but now I'm not so sure. At least we didn't get DOCTOR Jonathon Palmer.

I used to watch Eurosport coverage a few years back with John Watson. He was a good commentator, but I guess he wouldn't mix with the new god Martin Brundle - top bloke!

 

The man for me has to be Ben Edwards. Has superb knowledge of F1 and is a superb commentator. Anyone who remembers him from F1 on Eurosport will surely agree. The man could make even F1 sound exciting. Something James Allen will never be able to do.

At least Murray was full of enthusiasm and charisma.

Chip.

 

Usually forget to watch the F1 races as I've nodded off to sleep even before they've begun.

I do like Charlie *** and John Watson doing the BTCC on the Beeb.

 

It should have been Ben Edwards. His commentary for Eurosport on Champ cars was fantastic. If James Allen keeps saying things like "the track is now in the zone" as on todays Japanese qualifying programme , he will never be taken seriously.

 

best of qualifying was "F1 is so cool isn't it" *sick*

 

I must admit I hoped that Ben Edwards would get the job. (Perhaps ITV didn't even approach him?) But to be fair to Allen, its an enormous pair of shoes to fill replacing Murray.
Yes, when he did an earlier race he did sound forced when trying to be enthuthiastic. But I think he's relised that he should be his own person rather than immitate.
Maybe ITV will place him back in the pits if somebody else came up. He does SEEM to be on good terms with the various Tech Directors, Managers etc. However is that from working on magazines (Autosport?) years ago.

Disagree or Agree as you see fit.
Cheers!

 

Your having a fecking laugh, Why not let Martin Brundle do it, F1 will never be the same.
Cheers
Colin

 

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Scoob99:
<B>Your having a fecking laugh, Why not let Martin Brundle do it, F1 will never be the same.
Cheers
Colin[/quote]

Martin Brundle is doing it! James Allen is replacing Murray. I really am going to struggle with this guy, he winds me up no end.