Op-Ed: A side note on American F1 coverage…
Oftentimes a new commentator is required to fill in for a race or two while a regular voice is called away by the parent network for other duties or an emergency. American coverage (which we at F1B listen to and watch, and is my basis for the Grand Prix Redux, along with F1 timing & scoring and Twitter) from SPEED has seen a few of these this season and in recent weeks. We lost pit lane reporter Peter Windsor to the USF1 debacle, had Westbury Gillett replace him for the first couple of races this season as proper replacement Will Buxton and his wife expected a child, and have had regular color commentator Bob Varsha off to the Barrett-Jackson collector car auction and replaced in the recent past for practice or a race by both Ralph Sheheen and Leigh Diffey, both regulars on the SPEED commentary roster.
Filling in like that can be a jarring experience, both for the regular watcher and for the individual trying to step into big shoes. The rapport between Varsha, David Hobbs, and Steve Matchett, all friends of F1B, is a pleasure to listen to and both informative and entertaining. In my own experience on my first F1B podcast, it can be an interesting experience adding a new voice to others with great rapport, no matter how kind and welcoming the regulars are. Diffey was on the air in the practices, qualifying, and the race this weekend; a different voice but not unwelcome. However, during the race today, I found myself thinking that Diffey was doing a most excellent job. Obviously, I already knew he was a capable commentator, but there was something about today’s broadcast of the Singapore GP, one with plenty of pitfalls for someone not used to F1 commentary, that stood out, even if I can’t quite put my finger on it. It felt as though he was pushing the conversation along, while picking up on little things that mattered. I had noticed that Vettel seemed to have balked on his way out of the pit box, but it was good that Diffey picked up on it so quickly and called it to the fan’s attention. He had command of what had happened all weekend, what had happened all season, and (and this is a personal pet peeve) how to pronounce the names of the drivers properly. He deffered appropriately when Hobbs and Matchett had the superior knowledge, and seemed to gel with the two Brits, even if he didn’t encourage Hobbs to give his impersonation of the Queen. No one’s perfect, I suppose.
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There are plenty of other things to discuss about the race in Singapore, many of which will pop up on F1B in the next week, but for me this is one to highlight. Perhaps I’m being a bit too ephemeral, but it’s important to have a good feeling as a fan about those who visit your home at odd hours of the morning, even if it is just through the television. Not to be a complete fangirl, but good job, Leigh, hope to hear you again soon.
