The fate of Martin Brundle
Most people by now know of the sudden and unexpected decision by ITV to cut short it’s F1 broadcasting contract. Understandably, the ITV staff in front of the cameras are dismayed and concerned about their futures. However, while ITV have consistently improved the show over the past 12 years, there has been one really standout personality and yet his fate remains in doubt for reasons that may have nothing to do with TV contracts.
Martin Brundle, the driver’s driver who provides commentary with the oft hysterical James Allen could be out of a job because of political pressure being applied by the FIA. To understand the reasons why a top commentator who has continually been recognized for his broadcasting excellence (six Royal Television Awards) could be pushed out of the broadcast booth, you have to go back to September 2007 and the political scandal that was casting a shadow over Formula 1.
Brundle, as a member of the press, wrote in his Sunday Times column that the investigation of McLaren by the FIA, ‘had the feel of a witch hunt.’ The FIA, with all the indignant self righteousness of the Spanish Inquisition chose to take legal action against the Sunday Times and Brundle for libel. The suit has been seen as a warning to Brundle and other journalists to consider carefully their criticism of the FIA and it’s decisions less their credentials be revoked - no small threat to most journalists’ careers.
One must wonder if the new BBC contract will come with any strings concerning Brundle. Of course, there is no obligation for the BBC to hire Brundle - they are well within their rights to use BBC veterans but why not have one of the sharpest and capable men in the commentary box. Hiring Brundle would be a move supported by his legions of fans in the UK and abroad and provide continuity for viewers. In short, it would be a sensible decision.
But, given the political machinations that FIA President Max Mosley has orchestrated in the past, it’s not outside the realm of possibility to believe that the early exit of ITV has presented Mosley with an opportunity to get rid of a nagging thorn in his ass. How difficult would it be for the FIA to insist that the BBC specifically exclude Brundle? Mosley has increasingly resented criticism of his governance and attacked no less an icon than Sir Jackie Stewart for similar views on the McLaren inquiry.
As a fan of F1 who, like most, watches the majority of the races on television, I would like to see Martin Brundle picked up by the BBC. He has shown a depth of knowledge shared by few (just watch a Speed broadcast) and the brass knockers to question the powerbrokers of the sport on live TV.
In fact, I feel so strongly that the BBC should approach Martin that I have become politically active and created an online petition to that effect. If you feel that Martin Brundle is the ideal candidate to join the BBC to cover F1 next season please join me by signing an online petition here.
Take that Max Mosley!
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/martinbrundle
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
Tags: , BBC, FIA, Formula 1, ITV, James Allen, Martin Brundle, max mosley, McLaren scandal, Sunday Times