When Murray Walker retired after the United States Grand Prix in 2001, Formula One had lost an icon. He wasn't a driver, though. He wasn't even directly involved, really; he was just a very keen observer. Yet after commentating on the sport for over 50 years, his departure left a legacy that many of F1's so-called 'stars' could only dream of. Walker didn't just do motorsport commentary - he defined it.
How do you replace an institution like Walker? ITV tried the subtle approach. In the latter stages of Walker's career, he didn't attend every race. In his absence, his position was taken by pit-lane reporter James Allen, so when the legendary broadcaster hung up his mic, he was the natural replacement.
The problem was, despite being a competant voiceman and very knowledgeable, he was just extremely annoying. So annoying, in fact, that fans created a petition to have him removed. When the BBC regained the rights to Formula One coverage at the beginning of the 2009 season, they were granted their wish.
So Jonathan Legard was announced as the Beeb's lead commentator, with my initial response being a neutral one. I would have preferred 5live's David Croft to get promoted from radio to television, but I'd heard Legard covering football and he was good listen. Also, he had worked in F1 before, which would be key in helping him to get through those first few races. And my school of thought was that anyone was better than Allen.
Fast-forward two years, and sadly I'm not so positive. Legard hasn't developed a chemistry with co-commentator Martin Brundle in the way that viewers wished he would. I would even go as far as to say that Allen shared more in common with him. On top of that, The Welshman often finds himself behind Brundle, missing onscreen details that are so obvious to the armchair fan that it has them wincing with embarrassment. I think I lost count of the amount of times he confused Jaime Alguersuari and Sebastien Buemi in 2010. The awkward silence in the commentary box that followed these gaffes meant that Brundle had noticed as well.
It's not solely the errors, though. I just find his commentary dull. I look back to the days when I started watching Formula One, and there truly is no comparison. Walker made errors as well, but he brought the coverage into your front room with his personality. His excitable nature made the most mundane of Grands Prix still enjoyable to watch. It's a quality that Legard simply doesn't have.
I don't want to be too unkind, as it's not all negative. He does have in-depth knowledge of the sport, and his enthusiasm is plain for all to see. His colleagues have said that while they enjoy a relaxing evening during a race-weekend, Legard is back in the paddock, discussing tyre temperatures with engineers and ever-seeking to broaden his knowledge.
Raw enthusiasm can only get you so far though. Legard's a decent commentator, and I'm sure a nice guy in the bargain, but Formula One needs a change in this, the most exciting of eras. But please, let him down gently.
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