James Allen looks forward to 2012
Wednesday 11 January 2012, written by James Allen
I'm looking forward to 2012 more than any year for a while, for a number of reasons. First this is a really interesting time in our sport with changes in the way it's covered on TV in the UK, a fascinating political and business game being played out involving the teams, the governing body and Bernie Ecclestone's organisation over the next step for the sport beyond 2012.
It's likely that we will see some interesting changes in the next 12-18 months to the sport, the way it is run and particularly the way that fans around the world can access it. This is all serving to make the sport bigger and to generate a wider reach.
I'm also excited on a personal level because I have signed to become the F1 correspondent for BBC Radio 5 Live, which is a wide ranging remit, including commentary at races and providing insight to the main BBC stations when there is a big F1 story. This will sit well alongside all my online activities with jamesallenonf1.com.
It should also be a good year for the Trust as it is our 25th anniversary. The Trust was founded by Sir Jackie in 1987 and has done some great work since then in getting the lives of some former F1 mechanics back on track after illness or setbacks.
The next meeting of the GP Mechanics Trust is set for February 1 and I look forward to joining my fellow Trustees to consider the celebrations for the Trust's Silver Anniversary and to a year of more meaningful work by the Trust.
Latest comments:
Dear James,
Well done on your new position. Will this put you in an influencing position in the BBC?
I think the broadcasting of the GP season has improved beyond recognition over the last few years, after getting it back from ITV. That I think, made the BBC up their game, and we all get the benefit from that.
I have only one real gripe, having suffered from GP engines in my days on the spanners, I have a degree of tinitus, (constant whistle in my ears) this makes it quite hard to hear your commentary over the sound of the cars in the background. I ran a poll amongst my GP friends and found they all agreed with me, so please can the balance of the sound broadcasting be re-dressed in favour of the commentator. If you listened to a recording of a race, when you came home, I am sure you would be of the same opinion.
Good luck for the season, I can't wait for it to start!
Yours faithfully,
Doug (Auntie) Garner
PS. Do you give talk nights to people that live in the sticks, out of season?
If so, it will give me a way to generate money for the Trust.
(29th Jan 2012 - 10:41:19 pm) - By: douglas-garner