Former Super Aguri driver Anthony Davidson will co-commentate on BBC Radio 5 Live's F1 coverage in 2009, the British broadcaster revealed today. Having failed to secure a seat on the F1 grid in 2009 after Super Aguri folded early in 2008, Davidson will join lead commentator David Croft in the commentary booth throughout the season.
Davidson has already enjoyed time as a BBC Radio 5 Live commentator, having described the action at the British and European Grands Prix during 2008. Davidson replaces F1 journalist Maurice Hamilton in the booth, who is relinquishing his role as co-commentator due to increased press commitments in 2009. Hamilton however will continue to contribute to the station's F1 coverage on an ad-hoc basis, having been with 5 Live for over 15 years.
Over the last few years as a Formula One driver I've enjoyed being a guest commentator with Radio 5 Live, and I'm looking forward to joining the team for the full season this year as a regular in the commentary box, said Davidson after being confirmed at the radio station. Commentating gives me the chance to explain what it feels like to drive an F1 car to the limit, and to share the inside view on all of the demands that a driver faces over the weekend.
Over the course of his career in F1, Davidson drove a total of 24 Grands Prix, and spent five years as Honda test driver. He now joins former racer David Coulthard on the BBC's payrole, with Coulthard set to become an analyst for the company's F1 television broadcasts.
