Formula One Commentating

Brundle first commentated on F1 during the 1989 Belgian Grand Prix on the BBC. Having retired from the race, Brundle was asked by the BBC to enter the commentary box alongside Murray Walker because regular BBC commentator James Hunt failed to show up. Brundle was also part of the 1995 BBC commentary team whenever Aguri Suzuki was driving the Ligier-Mugen Honda with which Martin was sharing the drive.

Having largely retired from motor racing, Brundle became a highly regarded commentator on British television network ITV, who he joined when they began Formula One coverage in 1997. Commentating alongside veteran commentary legend – Murray Walker, Martin soon established himself as a worthy co-commentator who could not only explain the often complex technicalities and strategies of F1 in simple terms, but he also supplied an in-depth knowledge of the racetracks, an insight into what a driver is feeling and how a racing car is driven. His dry wit and some fantastically funny comments established him a viewers favourite.

James Allen replaced Murray walker in 2002 along side Martin until 2009 when the BBC won the rights to broadcast the sport. Such was Brundle’s popularity, an internet petition was started demanding that the BBC take him on. Brundle joined the BBC's commentary team alongside Jonathan Legard.

Martin notes on his own web site:

"I'm an adreniline junkie and television delivers mainline adreniline. I rarely watch myself of televsion but other seem to like my work and I'm pleased about that. TV has been good to me and my racing career turns out to have been a fact finding mission for my TV work. Ouch."

Discussing the return of Formula One to the BBC in 2009, The Times described Brundle "as the greatest TV analyst in this or any other sport." (Although he does write a column for their Sunday edition!)

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