I like Top Gear. I really do because it’s great entertainment. That’s exactly why the show’s cast does not belong in F1 and why the BBC needs to rethink their rumored decision to include them in it’s 2009 F1 presentations.

First, sport should be entertaining, but not entertainment. Top Gear is as much about the witty one-liners from Jeremy Clarkson as it is the cars. In reality, the cars on Top Gear are just props for satirical automotive commentary - not that there’s anything wrong with that, it just doesn’t have any place in sports broadcasting. Fans expect informed and objective analysis of what’s happening on the track when it happens. That’s not something that they’re going to get from the Top Gear crew.

Second, the cars are the stars of the show, not the celebs in the broadcast booth. Bernie Ecclestone might disagree, but fans tune into F1 to see the cars (and drivers) not TV types. Most established entertainers would admit to not wanting to play second fiddle to a bunch of noisy cars following one another around in circles. Who can blame them but that’s the job.

Finally there’s the man, Jeremy Clarkson. A lot of what he says is right on the money – especially about F1 being sterile and boring but it’s hard to see him promoting a product he has so many problems with.  Absolutely there are things wrong with F1 but reminding the audience of them every two weeks will not grow the viewership.

A true fan is needed in the broadcast booth that both knows and loves F1 and is prepared to be the unofficial ambassador of the sport. Handing the microphone to anyone not relishing that role is a dire mistake.

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