PlanetF1

BBC adds practice sessions

Wednesday 06-March-2013 12:21

The BBC has confirmed that practice sessions of the grands prix that they will air will be broadcast live this year.

The public broadcaster will once again show only 10 live races this year, with highlights of the other 19 grands prix shown on the station, but they will add practice sessions this year.

'There will be around 40 extra hours of network output, with practice generally shown on BBC Two and BBC Two HD,' the BBC F1 website reports.

'BBC One and BBC One HD will show nine live races, including those in Canada, Great Britain and Brazil, with extended highlights of the remaining races.'

As for the television commentary team, they had already confirmed that Suzi Perry will take over from Jake Humphrey as presenter with Ben Edwards and David Coulthard staying on as the commentary team and Eddie Jordan remaining the chief analyst.

F1 journalist and broadcaster Tom Clarkson joins as a full-time team pit-lane reporter alongside Lee McKenzie, who will also presents Inside F1 on the BBC News Channel, while technical analyst Gary Anderson will work across TV, radio and online.

"Everyone on the BBC team is hugely excited about the new season," Ben Gallop, BBC's head of Formula 1, said.

"Last year saw us rise to the challenge of bringing the action to fans through the mix of live television and highlights, delivering great programmes which were reflected in impressive audience figures.

"This year sees new faces, practice on BBC Two and HD on live race weekends and a greater sharing of talent across BBC television, radio and online.

"With Suzi Perry at the helm, we're aiming to bring even more content, insight and access to audiences throughout the season."

Over on the radio, former driver Allan McNish joins BBC Radio 5 live as an analyst with James Allen and Jennie Gow continuing as commentator and pit-lane reporter respectively.