The Formula 1 Switchover: ITV Hands Over To BBC Sport

ITV's coverage of Formula One has certainly been a rollercoaster ride. It would be fair to say however, that this particular rollercoaster has had more ups than downs.

ITV's first controversial decision happened immediately. Steve Rider, a Formula One veteran was replaced by Jim Rosenthal. A good presenter he was viewed to be but Formula One knowledge was something he didn't have.

Despite it being a controversy, it was one that proved to be the right decision. Jim grew in to the role, his knowledge on the sport ever increasing, his professionalism constantly shining through.

And that was just the first strong point. For the first time every qualifying was covered live. We had an hour of pre race build up and a full television team.

Murray Walker and Martin Brundle formed a great partnership, James Allen and Louise Goodman were in their elements in the pits and Tony Jardine fronted a solid punditry team.

Despite this there was always one thing that Formula One fans could never quite get their head round: Adverts. However, there was nothing anyone could do about it. ITV had to show them, and we had to endure them.

And it wasn't the only critisism. The great Murray Walker retired and was replaced by James Allen. There's no getting away from it. James endured some criticism, which was in my view unfair.

James is very knowledgeable on the sport. This shows in this commentary and the books he's written. He is also highly passionate. When Jenson Button crossed the line to take his first Grand Prix win, this passion was clear for us all to hear.

So, why did he get this criticism? Well, James isn't a natural broadcaster. He's a journalist and reporter who was put in a completely new situation. He is also a highly intelligentman who clearly wanted to improve. Listening back to some of his early commentaries it's obvious that he has improved 100%.

There were more changes to the team in the new millennium. Mark Blundell was added to the pundits. He proved a worthy addition yet the decision to remove Tony Jardine a few years later was very questionable. Sports punditry works better when there's more than one.

Ted Kravitz also proved to be a great pit reporter, again his knowledge and quick thinking clear for all to see. Steve Rider also replaced Jim who returned to his football roots. Steve is a top class presenter. Super smooth, never phased—the perfect replacement. So why did I find myself missing Jim?

Now at the end of the coverage, it is safe to say that ITV-F1 was a complete success. But it is over, and we're off back to the BBC.

I must now point out no details in terms of BBC coverage have been officially released. But if rumours are to believed, the entire ITV-F1 crew will be not be returning, that is with the exception of Martin Brundle, who is unquestionably a world class pundit.

Again, all rumour but Jake Humphrey, a young former kids TV presenter will apparently take the reigns. David Coulthard will be the expert pundit and former Five Live F1 commentator Jonathan Legard will take the place of James Allen. We'll be treated to F1 HD, no adverts, interactive coverage and of course The Chain.

While this all sounds fantastic, there's one thing we have to remember. ITV have revolutionised the world of Formula One television. They undoubtedly are the kings of Formula One coverage. They've done it, and they've done it well. As viewers, we've been spoilt over the last 11 years.

Everybody is presuming that Formula One coverage easy to get right, it isn't. Despite the fact that the BBC as Jeremy Clarkson put it "know their onions" their previous coverage wasn't good. Technology and times have changed, so let’s hope the BBC do the same? Good luck guys, you have big shoes to fill.