±«Óãtv

The ±«Óãtv has today announced a new-look TV commentary team for its 2011 F1 season – Martin Brundle will move to the role of lead commentator with David Coulthard joining him as co-commentator.

Martin Brundle has commentated on 231 races since he retired from F1 racing in 1997 and this will be his 15th season behind the mic.

Brundle says: "I'm absolutely delighted and very motivated that ±«Óãtv Sport has asked me to become the lead Formula 1 commentator, alongside David Coulthard. We have been friends, rivals and colleagues for 18 years and, combined, we have driven in more than 400 F1 Grands Prix and attended over 700. I've never felt more passionate about Formula 1 and I can't wait to get started."

Former driver Coulthard has been a key part of the ±«Óãtv presentation team in his role as an expert analyst for the last two years, following his retirement from F1 at the end of the 2008 season.

Coulthard will continue key elements of this analyst role alongside his new commentary duties. Coulthard says: "I'm very excited to be joining forces with Martin in this new role of co-commentator.

"F1 is all about challenging yourself and this will be a big challenge for me, but one that I am looking forward to. There is a great team on the ±«Óãtv F1 show and we're looking forward to the year ahead and to bringing something new to our loyal viewers."

Ben Gallop, ±«Óãtv's Head of F1, says: "We're always looking for ways to take our Formula 1 coverage to another level – and for 2011 we have an exciting new combination in the commentary box.

"We're keen to make the most of Martin Brundle's wealth of broadcasting experience and his popularity with the audience by giving him the role of lead commentator and putting him alongside David Coulthard – one of the biggest names in British motorsport and a skilled race analyst.

"We want to tap into their combined on-track expertise – together, they will provide our viewers with more immediate discussion, analysis and debate as the action happens. The results of screen tests have been very impressive and we are convinced this combination will deliver a fantastic commentary for our audience for what promises to be a thrilling 2011 season.

"The change of direction we are taking unfortunately means there is no place for Jonathan Legard in our commentary set-up. We'd like to take this opportunity to thank Jonathan for his great work over the last two seasons. He is a first-rate journalist and broadcaster who has been a core member of our team – helping to re-establish ±«Óãtv Sport as the nation's F1 broadcaster. We wish him all the very best for the future."

LW