Thread: 2012 BTCC - Who will be Ben Edwards' Replacement on ITV4?

Originally Posted by Mp3 Astra

I'm going to hazard a guess and say John Hindhaugh of Radio le Mans fame, only because he replaced Ben for several events in 2009/10. Who else has the potential to be the main commentator for ITV?

Goodness, I hope it's not. I couldn't bear the BTCC commentaries he did in Ben Edwards' place in 2008.

Originally Posted by BDunnell

Goodness, I hope it's not. I couldn't bear the BTCC commentaries he did in Ben Edwards' place in 2008.

2008? Wow, time flies. Yes, I agree - I did not enjoy his commentary for the races he did - the main problem is that he hadn't really done his homework and therefore didn't know much about the context of what was taking place, and very often missed important action, and failed to recognise or spot the difference between cars and drivers. If he were to take over, I imagine he would do more background work.

I would absolutely love to have Brian Blessed as a commentator.

Originally Posted by Mp3 Astra

2008? Wow, time flies. Yes, I agree - I did not enjoy his commentary for the races he did - the main problem is that he hadn't really done his homework and therefore didn't know much about the context of what was taking place, and very often missed important action, and failed to recognise or spot the difference between cars and drivers. If he were to take over, I imagine he would do more background work.

That, and his voice. I'm all for hearing regional accents on TV, but his grated somewhat with me, I'm sorry to say.

I love John on the Radio Le Mans broadcasts, but that's clearly his main passion and I don't think he was suited to the TOCA supports when he did them. Besides, his commentary style rather suits the longer-distance races like Le Mans, where excitement does occur, but not every other corner, and there's more time for analysis and informal chat.

It wouldn't surprise me if they promoted Richard John Neil from the TOCA support commentaries, and/or even Simon Hill - two ex-drivers didn't work too badly for F1 on the BBC this year. Although I think Tim Harvey and Simon work best as foils for the main commentator, and I would be expecting Simon to be trying to sell me potatoes at two bob a pound (it's a voice thing).

Originally Posted by inimitablestoo

It wouldn't surprise me if they promoted Richard John Neil from the TOCA support commentaries, and/or even Simon Hill - two ex-drivers didn't work too badly for F1 on the BBC this year. Although I think Tim Harvey and Simon work best as foils for the main commentator, and I would be expecting Simon to be trying to sell me potatoes at two bob a pound (it's a voice thing).

That's actually a very good point. Richard did a pretty good job with the support races, and when he and Simon Hill got together, it made for great TV - their banter was very funny at times. I hope they keep Tim Harvey - he really knows his stuff, and his high-pitched excited voice makes me smile!

Hindy isn't a huge fan of BTCC.

It's like asking Martin Haven to do F1.

Was never a huge fan of Ben's - so I'm not that fussed.

Would love to see Barry Nutley commentating again (remember he did a few in 97?) or Charlie!

I would like Charlie Cox back as his style suits action packed racing, while Moto GP has become a bit dull in the last year or 2 and isnt really his natural subject!

This being ITV, there is enough time between now and the start of the season for a Simon Cowell-run talent show to find the next commentator. So my money's on the 22-year-old shop assistant with the tragic back story.

And with ten rounds to commentate on, they'd have a longer career than the standard X-factor winner!

I hope its not Phil Glew

Originally Posted by Glamtax Motorsport

I hope its not Phil Glew

Or Lawrence Tomlinson, Kelvin Burt or most of the other drivers who have commentated (excluding Tim ofc)

You've obviously been watching a different MotoGP championship to me, I don't think it's become dull. Perhaps because Rossi isn't winning everything some people think it's dull. With Ben Spies, Cal Crutchlow, Alvaro Bautista et al, coming through I think it can only improve. Charlie Cox is a brilliant motor sport commentator, some of his comments have me in tears of laughter, but I think that he should stay with Stavros in MotoGP.

What about Jeremy Clarkson-he knows nothing about nothing anyway. On a serious note, Steve Soper, John McCleland could do a good job, but I think the man for the job (if he would want it) is Patrick Watts

Originally Posted by captain vxr

i would absolutely love to have brian blessed as a commentator.

i agree with your suggestion and have sent him a tweet

Originally Posted by Captain VXR

I would absolutely love to have Brian Blessed as a commentator.

I love this idea - good one

Originally Posted by Tixy54

You've obviously been watching a different MotoGP championship to me, I don't think it's become dull. Perhaps because Rossi isn't winning everything some people think it's dull. With Ben Spies, Cal Crutchlow, Alvaro Bautista et al, coming through I think it can only improve. Charlie Cox is a brilliant motor sport commentator, some of his comments have me in tears of laughter, but I think that he should stay with Stavros in MotoGP.

Not wanting to derail the thread but the 800cc era of MotoGP has been shockingly bad compared to the old 990s. I remember a race at Brno when Capirossi won by 8 seconds (think it was 8), at that time it was unheard of for a race to be won by such a large margin. Now the races are all but over before halfway, the reason it can only improve is because it can't get much worse than it has been for the last 3 or 4 seasons.

Anyway, not sure on your suggestion of Patrick Watts, not sure how he'd fare as a commentator. I had the privilege of meeting him at a hillclimb last year and he spent all day happily chatting to people, and not just about himself, he spent a good 10 minutes asking me and my old man about how car and motorsport in general. Top bloke but not convinced he's the right commentator.

Getting Charlie Cox back is my favourite suggestion so far, I'm not usually keen on ex-drivers being commentators but Charlie was great when he did it last time round. As for BARRY NUTLEY, well his voice just does my head in

Barry Nutley? Ah yes, the man who belched live on air during round 12 in '97.

....and I can't imagin John Cleland and Tim Harvey sharing a small commentary box together.

One vote for John Watson.