- 18 Mar 12, 19:34#295110Analysis of the BBC coverage, 2012
I am now going to write about this year's coverage from the BBC, in this new era of "highlights" for half the races. I am VERY impressed.
Qualifying
When the TV directory first informed me that all I was going to get was 1 hour and 15 minutes (compared to 2 and a half hours in previous years), I was somewhat apprehensive. Considering there was going to be an assured and lengthy discussion both prior to the "action" and afterwards, I wondered how cut-down the actual qualifying coverage would be.
However, I was pleasantly surprised. The pre-qualifying analysis retained all the quirky banter and in-depth discussions that the BBC coverage has come to be renowned for. None of the characteristic good quality has been lost, despite the reduced time-slot on offer.
What of the actual coverage of the sessions? Well the ONLY parts that were omitted were the 3 to 5 minutes in which very little happens, and there are very few cars on the track. This usually occurs at the beginning of each session. I missed nothing of importance, and got a good, healthy fix of the action. I was feeling much better about remaining with the BBC.
Race
The pre-race analysis was not extensive, but all that was necessary was covered, including some good driver interviews on the grid. The immensely satisfying anchor team comprised of Jake Humphrey, Eddie Jordan and David Coulthard continued to entertain fully.
As for the race, as I predicted in other threads on this forum, very little was actually omitted. Apart from the safety car period, we only lost another VERY few laps in which little happened. The commentary team is now the best it's been in years. Ben Edwards is fantastic, and is excellently supported by David Coulthard. Both provide entertaining, insightful and energetic commentary. There was also an excellent post-race analysis at the end.
So, I have nothing else to say other than that I am thrilled by how the BBC have remained superb in their offering of F1 coverage. The fuss was needless and unwarranted. I am a passionate F1 fan, and I didn't feel like I was missing out at all.
Am I glad I didn't start paying for Sky? Oh yes!! Indeed I am!!
Race wins:181Drivers' titles:12Constructors' titles:8Fantasy F1 Team = Bridewell Palace Racing