[Qexit]

This is the best piece of Formula 1 news I have heard in years I wonder if the Beeb will drag Murray Walker out of retirement to commentate on a few races....just for old times sake Will they be using 'That Theme Tune' ? They really would be wasting license payers money if they commissioned a new one as people still associate it with Formula 1.

"Apart from uninterrupted coverage (a big plus) the BBC need to keep to ITVs model and show ALL races/qualifying without question - or this could be a step backwards."

ITV don't do this now, they shift coverage over to one of the less accessible digital channels when it clashes with anything significant on the main ITV1 channel. I imagine the BBC will do something similar, especially as they will be providing live streaming coverage via the internet.

The bottom line is that for the first time since ITV took over coverage, it will be possible for F1 fans to watch complete races without having commercial breaks spoiling things. So no more, cutting to commercials just as the winner is about to cross the finish line, no more coming back from a commercial break to discover the championship has been won while we were away...etc.....etc....

[Silent Bob]

Originally Posted by Qexit

"Apart from uninterrupted coverage (a big plus) the BBC need to keep to ITVs model and show ALL races/qualifying without question - or this could be a step backwards."

ITV don't do this now, they shift coverage over to one of the less accessible digital channels when it clashes with anything significant on the main ITV1 channel. I imagine the BBC will do something similar, especially as they will be providing live streaming coverage via the internet.

But at least they show it some place or other - in the past the BBC have not even shown qualifying if it's early in the morning or early evening (eg Oz and Brazil). Although they should have no excuses now - although BBC3 and 4 aren't on air until 7pm - that will have to change.

[Qexit]

Originally Posted by Silent Bob

But at least they show it some place or other - in the past the BBC have not even shown qualifying if it's early in the morning or early evening (eg Oz and Brazil). Although they should have no excuses now - although BBC3 and 4 aren't on air until 7pm - that will have to change.

Er...the BBC have not shown F1 for 12 years. Back then, they only had two channels available so something often had to lose out. Like it or not, F1 still only has a relatively small following compared to, say, soap operas and football. In any case, ITV were the same when they first started and they didn't even show qualifying at all until they were pressurised into doing so. IMHO there were no plus points to ITV getting F1 and lots of minuses.

I'm just glad it is finally returning to its true home

[Silent Bob]

OOPS

[Silent Bob]

Off to Silverstone for the Grand Prix at 6am tomorrow. Just got to pack the car with all the gear and we're set. Shame the weathers going to be poor Saturday with heavy showers and light showers Sunday.

I'd like to think Lewis can do the business but unfortunately its a Ferrari track.

Hope Coulthard has a decent result seeing as it's his last British GP with him retiring at the end of the season.

[jas]

I hope DC gets a good restult too, he deserves it. I was at silverstone the other week for the Renalt World Series. Nice track, first time I`d been there.

[Qexit]

I was at Silverstone for qualifying a couple of years ago, so was fortunate enough to see Michael Schumacher driving round there for the final time. His tactics could be somewhat questionable at times but there was no denying his skills as a driver, so I was pleased to see him in action before he retired.

As for this weekend, a damp track could make for an interesting race for all concerned so I'm holding out for rain on Sunday

I did visit Silverstone on one previous occasion a few years ago. It was the first time that Top Gear Live was run there and I got in free as a member of the RX7 Owner's Club as we had our little bunch of cars 'on display' By way of a thank-you we all got to drive around the track, along with the other owners club members, for about three-quarters of an hour before everyone else arrived. Great fun it was too, though we were supposed to keep to just 50mph for safety reasons. I think that lasted for about 3-4 laps I didn't go anywhere near the limit in my car but hitting around 130mph down the main straight was still quite exciting

[jas]

Brit GP is moving to Donington

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/moto...ne/7489662.stm

[Qexit]

Originally Posted by jas

Brit GP is moving to Donington

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/moto...ne/7489662.stm

That's good news as far as I'm concerned. Silverstone is a pain in the neck to get to while Donington is just over an hour away by car. Of course, people living in the South wont be too pleased

[jas]

Same for me, Donnington is about 90 mins from me, may even consider doing the gp now