Press Release

The BBC has announced that it will broadcast the 2011 Formula 1 season in High Definition, following confirmation by Formula One Management (FOM) that all broadcasters will receive an HD feed for 2011.

The BBC is also pleased to announce that Eddie Jordan will return to the BBC F1 TV presentation team in 2011, in an expanded role as primary analyst. Eddie's role will this year see him take on a wider remit, as his fellow analyst David Coulthard assumes additional commentary duties.

Completing the TV line-up for 2011, Jake Humphrey will anchor the coverage for his third season, with Lee McKenzie and Ted Kravitz once again in place as reporters. It was announced yesterday that Martin Brundle takes on the new role of lead commentator, with David Coulthard as co-commentator alongside analyst duties.

Ben Gallop, BBC Head of F1, says "It's fantastic that Eddie is rejoining the team, and this year in a more expanded role. He's such a core character with his outspoken views, unrivalled contacts in the sport and his ability to unearth the stories from the paddock. We're also delighted to be broadcasting in HD, something we know fans have been waiting for and it will really add something extra to our coverage for 2011."

Eddie Jordan says: "It's been a great two years so far and I'm really looking forward to getting back on the circuit, the 2011 season looks like it has plenty in store for us all. The new set up will give me even more opportunity to get to the heart of the issues in Formula 1 and tell the real stories to the viewers."

Danielle Nagler, Head of BBC HD and 3D, says: "Along with many, many HD viewers, I'm delighted that we'll have a chance next season to see Formula 1 in all its glory on television. It's fantastic news that FOM has decided to green light HD broadcasts, and we're looking forward to sharing with the fans all the races in all their detail on BBC One HD and BBC HD."

Formula 1 joins a strong line-up of sports already broadcast in HD on the BBC including Wimbledon, all live golf, the Grand National and the Six Nations.

Further scheduling details will be released in due course.

LW