BBC F1 to ditch Jonathan Legard...for Charlie Cox?
It is being speculated that the BBC's patience with Jonathan Legard is beginning to wear thin enough for the broadcaster to drop the Welshman from its F1 line-up in 2011 - reputedly in favour of Charlie Cox.
Legard was drafted in at the start of last season to replace James Allen, but thus far the former Radio 5 Live presenter has gained even less support amongst the sport's fans, and although he reportedly still has the backing of some members of the BBC F1 team, crucially he does not appear to have the backing of co-commentator Martin Brundle.
According to Daily Mail columnist Charles Sale, Brundle - 'the most influential member of the F1 set-up', given the former Benetton, McLaren, Ligier and Jordan ace's near-unanimous popularity amongst viewers and sharp, incisive and dryly ironic manner behind the mic - is keen to have a new partner in 2011, having not 'gelled' with Legard.
Sale claims that 'doubts are being expressed by the corporation's top brass as to whether Legard's contract will be renewed next season', with the rumour mill suggesting that the Beeb's current MotoGP commentator and former British Touring Car Championship privateer Cox is the favourite to replace him alongside Brundle.
Since hanging up his racing helmet, the Australian has gone on to commentate on the BTCC for Auntie before being moved over to MotoGP when the BBC lost the coverage of the leading tin-top series to arch-rival ITV. He has become well-known for his quirky catchphrases including 'as fast as a fast thing on fast pills', 'he needs that like a third armpit' and 'off the line quicker than a white slice out of my toaster'.
To have your say on who should partner Brundle at BBC F1 in 2011, why not vote in our poll right here
