An earpiece of the action
Hi there,
Welcome to my latest blog post, I hope you enjoyed the weekend as much as we did. Well done, Mark!
Now for those of you who have been regular readers and posters on here, you'll know what this blog is all about. If you're new, let me explain.
I noticed someone last week asking on here why didn't I write about the latest political goings-on. Well my take on that question is that there are a million websites, many of them excellent, where you can read up on that stuff and other people do it on the BBC F1 site; whereas this is the only place that, I hope, gives you unique access to what doing my job is like.
Which is why we've included an exclusive little sample below...
Ever since I was lucky enough to get this job people have told me how fortunate I am and how much they'd love to do the same, so I decided my blog and my Twitter site would be all about making you feel like you are doing this job. I was keen to be the most accessible F1 presenter possible, and my idea for this week's post is hopefully another step towards that.
I thought you'd like to hear what is being fed down my ears when live on BBC One presenting the F1 coverage.
While a diver is reliant on his oxygen supply, I am completely dependent on my earpiece. It's my umbilical cord to the entire production and without it I'm flying solo.
I often describe this job as quite a lonely experience and that tends to perplex people, so let me explain. I may have Eddie and DC to my right, a pitlane full of people and the crew around to save me from any onrushing Toyota's, but it is still a lonely experience to me.
I am the only person there charged with welcoming the viewers when the red light comes on or I hear the words "cue Jake", to deal with breaking news, ask EJ and DC the right things at the right time and keep the show moving, all without the use of an autocue. Part of this feeling comes from knowing that as you open your mouth there are five million people (that's 55 packed Wembleys) listening to what you're saying. It's a quite personal, nervous feeling that I can't really compare to anything else ever felt. I don't like the nerves much and I've mentioned before on here that I'm often unable to eat before a programme.
The one thing that keeps me feeling secure and connected to the rest of the production team and therefore our output is the 'talkback'.
I use what's known as 'open talkback' where I hear everything. EJ and DC use 'switch(ed) talkback' where Mark the producer presses a button to talk to them. I learned 'open' at CBBC and it is an absolutely vital tool. As an example, we had a moment where a VT wasn't ready during our Silverstone race build up. Thankfully I heard Sunil in VT tell the gallery it wasn't ready, and although they instantly relayed it to me, that vital couple of seconds were really helpful. It can all help you feel right across what's going on.
I hear the director Richard calling cameras, the production co-ordinator Katherine dealing with the timings, Mark the editor making the editorial calls and anyone else who chips in such as Lee or Ted from the pitlane.
On here is a totally unedited version of my talkback. This is exactly what I hear...
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The one tricky thing about F1 is that because it's so loud the earpieces are also ear defenders so I have David's and Eddie's voices fed directly down the earpiece too. So getting the balance of various volumes is crucial.
A gallery can be a busy place, especially when there are any technical problems. Ask any presenter and they'll tell you the calmer the gallery the better.
Things often crop up, though. For example, we had a slight problem on Saturday when everything reset itself moments before we were live. That meant that two minutes before I was due to welcome you to qualifying build-up in the pits, we were rushing to an area we call the 'bolt hole' to use mics that we knew would be OK. Hopefully you wouldn't have noticed a few seconds later when we went live; it's our job to make sure those things don't affect the quality of the output.
Anyway, on Sunday I asked the sound supervisor, Chris, if he could record the last part of the show's talkback from the champagne spraying to the 'goodbye' on BBC One that we have to hit to the second. The exact talkback that I heard when we were live is what you can hear in the video above.
Thankfully it was all pretty straightforward and I'll be really interested to know your thoughts.
Strangely, when I listened back to it I found it a really nerve-wracking listen. I find it hard to explain why, but guess when I'm in the middle of it with the adrenaline and the 'live' buzz I just accept what's going on in my ear as part of the job. Only afterwards when I'm relaxed I can't quite believe how involved it is.
Anyway, have a listen and let me know what you think.
Oh, and before I sign off I just wanted to say how pleased I am for Mark Webber. He's been nothing but a thoroughly nice guy since I've been involved this past season and after 130 races he's shown he's got what it takes and that he is a winner. And doesn't it add another exciting dimension to a title race that's really shaping up nicely?!
Have a great week,
Jake
Some of you may know who I am from CBBC, others from The Olympics, Sports Personality or my other BBC Sport presenting work. Now I'm presenting the BBC's F1 coverage and I'll be using this blog to share my experiences of life on the circuit. You can also follow me on 
© MMIX~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~04~RS~)
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Great blog, Jake. So insightful. I don't reckon I could handle all those voices in my ear and talk at the same time! You do such a fantastic job!
Anyway off to the toy shop with Bubba Jnr.
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Hi Jake,
As always a brilliant blog, I really had no idea how much you had to deal with at once. Love reading your blog and twitter, also interesting to see Barrichello play down his comments on twitter. Hope you enjoy your time off in between races.
Caz x
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Great blog Jake and love your tweets! I'm always curious about what goes on 'behind the scenes' at F1 weekends and you, Lee and the others really give us fans a good insight. Sounds like lots of work but LOTS of fun - talk about a dream job! =D
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Do you use talkback in the forum or is it a lot more relaxed?
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Jake - have you ever thought about moving to a more laid-back and relaxing job? Being a Formula 1 driver should fit the bill nicely!
How the bl***y hell do you handle that? Sure - we all know that something's going on in your ear - but I was under the impression that was more when you weren't talking. You (and other such presenters) must have the weirdest brains to be able to unfalteringly think about what you are saying and say it with authority, whislt at the same time listening to all that babble and analysing it so that the talking part can update it's thought train.
Another thing that always amazes me is how cleverly the end of program highlights have been selected and edited in so little time. I get the impression there are quite a few un-sung heros behind making one of the best TV programs our TV license provides. Value for money!
For a long time I've thought how I'd love to just be a fly on the wall in the gallery of such a program - now I know I would love so love to be able to follow such a program's production close up. Perhaps I've missed my correct career path - but in the background, my brain couldn't do your job!
I'm in awe of the whole production.
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wow, who ever said men couldn't multitask?!!? Don't know how you handle all that in your ear and manage to look so relaxed on screen. You certainly earn your money. Another great blog Jake, great to see (and hear) what happens behind the scenes, you all do such a fantastic job!
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Fantastic!! This is the kinda thing I love to see! I hope you can do a full piece on the behind the scenes in the production office sometime in the near future. Both the BBC's but also the FOM production office - I'd love to see how they manage to cover a 14 corner race track, 20 camera cars and dear knows how many cameras dotted around the track!
It's weird - I'm jealous of you like many people, but for me it's not that you get to go to all these races and meet the people. I love the adrenaline and "seat-of-your-pants" stuff of the live broadcasting. This blog really got me going. Thank you so much for posting it. I'd love to get an opportunity to try that some day myself!
I'd like to ask again if you could consider splicing some live action into the opening credits. The music is great, the animation is great, but it needs the live clips to spice it up and really give it the dramatic opening it needs!
Thank you very much for these blog posts Jake.
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Fantastic blog as always,your blog is an essential part of the bbc's excellent coverage,it sounds as though you really have to concentrate with all the chatter going on in your ear and you do a great job keeping everything together,i dont think i could do what you do and take my hat off to you,look forward to the next blog and race
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Wow! Just wow! I know it gets hectic in the earpiece but how you listen to that and listen to what's going on around you is beyond me!
Really enjoyed watching the BBC coverage all weekend. Hopefully I'll be here for Hungary, too, and SpeedTV is going to seem even more lacklustre when I go finally go back to the States.
You're all doing a great job. I think UK fans are feeling closer to F1 than ever, and it's all thanks to the BBC.
Great blog, once again. Thank you Jake!
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Doctor - I hear voices in my head!!!
Remarkable insight - keep up the great coverage.
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Another Fantastic blog entry Jake. Great stuff and I really love the insight you give us into what sounds like a very interesting and challenging job.
One small complaint though - why is every single F1 video on the BBC site geolocked so I can't even see the one here. Could you change that for us as us foreigners would love to see it ;)
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one word. awesome.
thank you for the insights jake.
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I've been following F1 for over 10 years now and without any doubt would say you are the best presenter of the sport I have seen. The combination of you, Eddie and DC is excellent. You manage to present in a style that I think is easily accessable to the casual follower and at the same time I've seen you frequently asking the hard hitting questions fans want answers to, something ITV always seemed to shy away from in their coverage. The BBC coverage overall has been excellent all season and with all these blogs, twitters and extra videos like the post race forum hardcore followers of this very technical sport like myself have been well catered for without overdoing the technical stuff live on air turning off the casual fan. Sadly though there is one major flaw in your coverage in the form of Johnathan Legard. His commentary is appalling, sounding flat, monotonous, repetitive and frankly boring. He commentates on the most mundane things like someone going round a corner, or along a straight, or up/down the track and the only people getting wound up when he says "he's winding himself up" or "pushing on" 500 times every race is the viewer! I'd listen to the 5Live commentary if it wasn't for the fact next to him in the box sits Martin, the best most informed commentator I've ever known in sports coverage. It's not just me that feels this way but everyone I know that follows the sport, and fan forums across the net are full of the same feelings. The BBC have done a fantastic job so far but surely this can no longer be overlooked, I never thought Id say this but I'd much rather have James Allen back! Again though congratulations on doing such a good job so far but please do something about him!!
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"...and Felipe's up to 5th but don't even worry about that" hahaha! Seriously though, fantastic job, I have difficulty presenting a radio show that has about 10 listeners, and I don't even have someone talking to me in an earpiece! I guess a lot of it is down to experience, as you said you've been doing the same kind of thing on CBBC, but still, to juggle VTs, guests, the gruesome twosome next to you, graphics etc AND make it all flow is just unbelievable. Well done, not only to you, but also to the team who are constantly rabbiting in your ear!
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Hi Jake,
its my firt post and found it very interesting to find out what you actually hear in your earpiece during the show, am surprised you actually manage to talk whilst all thats going on lol.
On a different note, I watched the f1 forum on the red button after the race sunday and noticed you checking your phone for questions that people had asked, I had a question to ask myself but didnt know where to send it, could you possibly post on here & make it more obvious somehwere on the website as to how to do so!!
My query was that as EJ and DC had an argument on air over Mark Webbers move on Rubens off the start line, did no one watch the post race press conference where Mark openly aid he didnt see Rubens and thought he was on the other side hence he moved that way to defend teh inside line... Would have saved the rather daft conversation and to be honest rather unprofessional feel I had about it at the time, plus it showed rather unfortunately how biased DC is becoming towards RedBull!!!
Anyway keep up the good work, really enjoy the show and hopefully look forward to a response.
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Fantastic Blog Jake. Great Insight into what you guys do, i must congratulate the BBC on the coverage, which is trully excellent. Yourself and Martin Brundle being stand out performers. I could listen to Brundle all day long. There is one weak link in Jonathan Leggard who is quite frankly useless. He has no idea about the sport and he may aswell be commentating on athletics or show jumping, its just generic and boring. I think the BBC should employ James Allen who would be the icing on the cake of a fantastic show. well done.
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Very interesting blog mate, it does sound like a great job however the behind the scenes machinations are pretty interesting too maybe you would occassionally have time to summarise them in a periodic blog seperate from the other stuff.
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Well, if everyone else is going to have a pop at Jonathon Legard...
Frankly, he's awful. I too would love to listen to the Five Live commentary but I do love Martin Brundle. Please God, no James Allen! But perhaps consider sliding Crofty over from R5L. I love listening to his commentary and thought he did terribly well with the GP2 TV coverage.
However, I'm sure everyone here knows you're not in charge of hiring and firing, Jake, but you do ask us for our views.
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I guess unlike much of the ill informed comment that greeted the announcement that you were to be the next F1 presenter, deep in the bowels of BBC Sport someone knew exactly what sort of broadcasting experience was needed to make live F1 happen. My reaction to your appointment was simply that if you can do 2 hours of CBBC you can do anything... and I was right!
I have to say that listening to the talkback made me realise that I can only digest one stream of audio information at a time - you appear to have the aural equivalent of James Galway's gift of breathing in and out at the same time!!
Great stuff, looking forward to the next race...
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Hi Jake,
1st time ive commented after reading all your blogs so far, but the talkback insight was fantastic and had to say so!! You have all taken F1 to another level for viewers and these blogs are the best thing about it!!
Keep up the good work, looking forward to the next instalment already!!
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Great blog Jake, its a real pleasure to have the insight you bring us. I too would love to see more (maybe a little vid just for the website) on the behind the scenes of a full weekend from the BBC team.
I just want to also say it was good to see Anthony Davidson in the forum despite him caught up in the debate with DC. Poor bloke obviously didn't know about Rubens comments before you guys showed him the VT which put him in a slightly difficult spot but I think he dealt with the questions well and came across very well. DC's bias towards RedBull is there for all to see but this has to be expected and you cannot cdeny the fact that they do deserve all the praise at the moment.
Keep it going Jake!
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Really enjoyed the pre-qualifying buildup, some really good articles and interviews. Particularly liked DC's karting bit, would really like to see him have a go at more kinds of grass roots or club motorsport eg. Formula Ford, Rallycross, Stock Cars, Historics etc etc.
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Before the start of the season, Jake, I certainly needed to be convinced that you (and the others) were right for the job. A few months on I can say with honesty and genuine admiration that I have seldom, if ever, been more impressed by such a professional, well executed job in any walk of life.
In my opinion there is no weak link in the BBC F1 team; Brundle is top notch (we knew that already), Legard fits the bill, Jordan and Coulthard make great co-presenters (Eddie's grilling of BE was Paxman-like at Silverstone), McKenzie's input is correctly measured and your anchoring is truly first-rate. But while I hesitate to pick anyone out in particular, I have to say that Kravitz's insights from the pitlane during the race are what I look forward to most.
Add all the above to a great website and I think you have the best sports coverage offered at the moment. (Although I must confess to enjoying also the annual treat provided by Messrs Imlach, Liggett and Sherwen on ITV4's Tour de France coverage).
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I'd love to listen to the talkback; I'm sure it would be fascinating. Unfortunately it's saying "not available in your area". Boo.
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It might be more accurate to say without the earpiece you might be exposed as a jack of all sports and master of none.
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I must admit this is the closest the viewers have ever felt to F1. Although the coverage of F1 was good with ITV it wasn't very personal. You and the team seem to bring F1 into the viewers front room, almost like we are in the Paddock with you. Which I assume is the aim.
But the most astonishing aspect is the coverage after the race, red button, blogs to name a couple. It would be so easy to just switch off at 3.30pm on a sunday but you guys just keep going, making the wait until the next GP far shorter.
This year I was at silverstone sat right in front of where you did you opening introduction on race day, with one of your team stood carefully behind the camera cueing us to all wave and blow our horns! I do not remember ITV ever doing that while I was the either Silverstone or Spa.
Good job Jake & team, F1 is far more involved and exciting while its home on the BBC.
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another great blog jake
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Hi Jake
This is my first post here, but I've been enjoying the coverage all year. Love the blogs, fantastic insight into what goes on and wow that is mind blowing. I really don't know how you can interpret all that information, especially since you're in a live environment and you are in one of the noisiest environments possible too. I was lucky enough to be at silverstone a couple of years ago so I have an idea just how noisy those things are.
Absolutely fantastic job by everyone, keep up the good work. The only thing that can make the coverage any better is Lee in a bikini!!!
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Sensational job mate
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Actually Jake, divers don't rely on Oxygen at all & if they did they'd be in big trubs
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Excellent post! As an ex (radio) OB sound engineer the talkback clip brought it all flooding back; very professional performance, Jake.
(As an aside, the link to your Twitter page in the paragraph after the photo doesn't work...)
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Brilliant! What an insight into the professional way you bring F1 to us. It must be a nightmare cramming everything into those "16 minutes until stop talking".
Just a quick question, during the race are you also listening to talkback, or do you have uninterrupted commentary, as we do? I can imagine it would be quite difficult to analyse all the action, when you have 5 or 6 people speaking at once, in your ear?
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I'm really enjoying this F1 season, the BBC are doing a great job, your presenting is top quality along with DC and Eddie.
Keep up the good work.
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Jakers (did you know there was a CBeeBies programme called that?),
This is my first post although I have been reading the blog from the start. It is brilliant to read and is always exciting your next installment arrives.
It's funny - it feels like we know you. It just shows how good you are at making us all feel part of the set up.
Respect to you for doing your job with all that noise in your ear. Well done!
Anyway, keep well fella and look forward to the next one.
Tim
ps - if you are ever over in Ireland, give me a shout and we can hook up!
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Facinating insight Jake. It's amazing that you manage to keep a track on what David and Eddie are talking about. We sometimes struggle without the talkback distraction!
I laughed at Mark Wilkin's comment " Massa is up to fifth but dont worry about that ". I agree with Dosan - Post # 7 - It would be good to see how the FOM produce the race pictures with over 3 miles of racetrack to cover. Maybe that can be a feature for another occasion. But thankyou for another excellent blog entry. Is covering F1 easier than the NFL Superbowl?
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Any chance of uploading this weeks forum?
Missed it
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Interesting stuff as ever Jake.
However, I live in Barcelona so, like much of the video content on the BBC, your earpiece demonstration 'isn't available in my area'.
Could you pop it on YouTube or something as I'd really like to hear it.
Cheers
Joe, Barcelona
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Great idea to share this - very interesting. You are doing a superb job this year and it is much appreciated by us fans.
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Hi,
Great show as usual but all I ask is could you give the email for the forum a bit more slowly? I missed it twice during the broadcast and was dying to ask a question. :-) After much trawling of the internet, I still couldn't find it.
Anyway, if anyone on here knows it I'd be most grateful.
Cheers,
Neill.
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Awesome mate, a really good insight into what presenters have to go through. I am behind the scenes and I get a lot of voices in my ear too but at least I don't have to front a programme to a few million peeps. Obviously there are many different calibre of presenters but you guys in live deserve big kudos for having to deal with all that!
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Excellent, very interesting video.
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Have to say it's brilliant to have F1 back on the BBC. That along with different teams at the front of the grid has helped rekindle my interest.
Jake's presenting is incredibly fresh and such an improvement over Rosenthal and Rider whom we have had to suffer on ITV. The entire package is one the BBC should be proud, why can't they put this effort into other sports?!?
I must agree with the comments regarding Jonathan Legard and if James Allen is the answer I don't know what the question was! Does F1 really need a play by play man? Why not another ex F1 driver to bounce things of the superb Brundle, that way you might get some banter between the two.
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What a great insight you've given us! I think you're one of the best presenters currently on television, with a natural and friendly presence, good knowledge of whatever you're talking about and all of that while being in control and open to whatever talkback you might receive, apparently.
It's funny you mention five Wembleys as your audience, while it's likely a lot more than that. You shouldn't forget that BBC One is viewable about everywhere in the world on cable (at least in Europe), so a lot more people are watching than you might think (- keep eating now!). ;) I know some Dutch preferring the BBC broadcast to the Dutch one.
Speaking of which... since I'm in the Netherlands, it's not possible to watch the video clip you've posted, as it's not available in my area. So please, please, dear moderators... could you make the clip available outside the UK as well, just this once? I'm sure a lot of worldwide BBC F1 viewers are dying to find out what's being said in Jake's ear all the time! :) Thanks!
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"....all without the use of an autocue"
you mean like proper broadcasters always used to do things before anodyne formulaic TV evolved. If ever they push you down the autocue route then run for the hills!
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Another great Blog Jake.
Is there any chance of you guys putting the F1 Forum online somewhere (iPlayer or F1 page)? I don't always get to watch it and it would be great to be able to catch up with it another time.
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I found the video absolutely fascinating to get an insight into how it goes down minute by minute. That countdown by the woman was impressive - 7 minutes... 6 minutes... 5 minutes.
I also found the debate between Button and Barrichello's interview and which one to show interesting - had Barrichello not blasted out at his team - I'd be certain that Button's interview would have been shown.
Its nice to see how on-air it all looks calm, yet behind the scenes there is a load of debating about what to do with stuff.
That feature gets a :up: from me.
It'd be interesting to have the opposite side, i.e. the countdown into the show - maybe you could consider doing that in the future the leadin to "after" The Chain music? ;)
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Wow - Having watched that I will feel much less envious of your job from now on. A really fascinating insight. I'd love to see another one of these, perhaps from an end sequence that doesn't go quite so slickly smooth??!! Or would the swearing from the gallery be a bit too much to make public ;-)
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Hi jake. Great blog as usual. As lucky as you are to have the job, we are just as lucky that you have a working philosophy of being open and reachable.
I just wanted to ask, how live are the live broadcasts, and are they delayed by any amount (or certain sections pre-recorded by a few minutes?).
The reason I ask is because on the talkback, you hear a woman's voice during the drivers post race conference cuing you with the last line of what Massa is going to say, before he's even said it, which made me think that the drivers conference is pre-recorded (maybe by a couple of minutes?).
I always had the impression that moments like that (the drivers conference) were live, and not delayed.
Was hoping you could bring some clarity to that.
Great job Jake, and being able to listen to the talkback was very very interesting, so thanks to you and whoever else was responsible for the recording.
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During the German GP the types were described as hard and soft, super soft and medium, option and prime - the last used more by the teams (not forgetting intermediate and wet)
Since there are only two dry types and all we really need to know is if they are the harder or softer compounds, any chance of getting the team to use one standard description through the year - and no need to over-complicate matters
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Hi Jake,
Wow that was great reading,and what an insite to what goes on? But please can you confirm if EJ is realy that short in real life? or is he standing on a box????
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A fascinating insight here Jake, thanks for going the extra mile to organise this, your effort is very much appreciated.
I'd like to also back the idea in post #7, I think it'd be very interesting to see how FOM transport/rig all their equipment and produce the weekends show. I think it'd be interesting for all the viewers, especially the qualifying build up show audience.
Keep up the good work. :)
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Hi Jake , It might have been my posting ( or others ) that you were refering to in this blog when you say that some were saying why had you not mentioned the politics of F1 at the mo , Please understand it was not you in particular i ( we ? ) we having a go at . my point was that there was nothing on the BBC website about it , You are quite correct that there are many other sites we can go to , But is that the point ? ,Surely this site should cover all aspects oF F1 , Sorry to " have a go " again but where else ? . Still loving all your ( and others ) work , Keep it up ,
Thanks , Simon .
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Jake,
Don't you sometimes feel like screaming at the voices and telling them to "shut the [expletive] up, I am trying to mediate between Eddie and David right now, or trying to listen to what Newey or Brawn or Domenicali has to say." Because that's how I'd feel if I had to do your job.
I think you should do it more improvised and spontaeneously - Martin does a great job on the gridwalk which as far as I know is not pre-orchestrated.
It's very good that you do this blog - it can't have been easy stepping into a totally new thing like F1, but I think you're doing very well so far. Good work, Jake.
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Hi Jake,
I have to say that it has been a privilege watching you, David and Eddie on the coverage this year and it is so much better than ITV, who for many years I have had to groan every time a commercial break appeared as it spoiled my enjoyment of watching over the years. I have been a huge Mark Webber fan since day 1, and he throughly deserved his victory on Sunday, which I hope gives him a lot of confidence now.
Keep up the good work!
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Frank Bough's son was at my school, so when the school bought an early video recorder it was natural to ask Frank to come in and play a cassette recording of the talkback on Grandstand over a recording of the results section of the programme. The information came a little faster, but there were fewer last minute changes to running order.
In other words, talkback hasn't changed much in more than 30 years. Jake, you stand comparison with the "greats" in your profession. Thank you for sharing what goes on with us.
Rob
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Wow, how on earth do you manage to hear everything that's said to you by the production team etc, as well as listening to EJ and DC and anyone else you interview, while talking and thinking about what you're going to say next?!!!
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Hands up who want's Jake's job now!?!?
lol, not me! I remember doing my motorcycle test and that was bad enough just having the instructor saying 'take the next right' in my ear..
anyway...excellent blog as usual very enjoyable, and again well done to Mark Webber!!
Brilliant BBC coverage again including all the TV and online elements, unfortunatly I was out sunday afternoon, I recorded the race but forgot to record the 'red button' afterwards....and for some reason that seems to take days and days to appear online.... any idea why that is Jake? I'm dying to watch it!
take care and keep up the good work.
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Hi Jake,
Long time reader, first time poster on your blog.
That was seriously impressive, I had no idea so much ad-lib'ing went on behind the scenes when broadcasting live. Must admit I rather naively thought most of it was autocued for live presenting, but it just goes to show what a cracking job you are doing this year as a team.
For risk of repeating myself...seriously impressed, how do you make it look so easy?
All the best
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I loved your blog again as usual, and thanks for the ear piece bit you did. Now I'm not sure if you read one of my posts about 5 weeks ago where i put a link into springwatch, saying listen to what Kate Humble has to put up with, but you have even more to contend with wow!! Truly truly amazing, thanks for the insight makes us feel so much closer to the sport we love. Please never change your blogs they are so good
Also thanks for the Pink shirt, knew you had to waer one again soon and thank you for having Anthony on the Forum. I have no idea if you had any influence on this or not BUT..... I was at work and missed the forum and it's not up on the site yet NOOOOOOOOOO! Please can you ask the powers that be, to put it up. Please
Thanks
Amanda
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Very Cool Blog Jake,
"I'm often unable to eat before a programme" now I know why. I applaued you for having the earpiece because if I had to do that I would probably struggle and reply back to what was being said down the earpiece as well as listening to DC and EJ.
However having the earpieces make the programme run smoothly and brilliantly.
I managed to catch-up on the GP and it was a very good and exciting race, and I am thrilled for Mark Webber to win the race because he totally deserved it, and I also liked the German version of Heroes being played out at the end, I thought that was very good.
I will be able to see all parts of Hungarian GP as I dont have work, and the race is two days before my birthday, so I will be having a party whilst watching the coverage!
Anyhow Keep Up Fantastic Work and Roll On Hungary!
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i cover sport (mostly fussy aka soccer) for tv/radio in usa and though it can get loud and crazy in some stadiums in germany- we are pretty much unaffected w/ our headphones on. can't imagine how you do it w/ all that noise!! i grew up in florida and went to daytona a few times and the sound is so loud! F1 must be just as loud. no wonder you got the gig- noone else wanted it!!! haha j/k viel gluck...
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Excellent update, Jake, and a fascinating insight into what you have to deal with while putting out a superb show. I don't know how you can even think straight while all that's going on in your ears; it would drive me crazy!
I love the fact that your blog features behind-the-scenes stuff, and the fun things you get up to when you haven't got 5 million people watching you - I can go elsewhere on the BBC site for facts and figures, and your blog lets us leave the politics behind.
Fantastic result for Mark Webber this weekend; here's to another win in Hungary!
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Great blog Jake, that's the first time I've had a proper insight into anything like that.
Goodness me, it's one thing talking when you know there are 5 million people watching, let alone having voices in your head all the time - that is a lot to deal with, well done!
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
What can I say Jake this Blog keeps getting better and better and by the looks of it you actually taking into account what we comment about and want to know... and for that thanks.
I don't know how you do it, talk and listen to what is a constant voice (or should i say constant number of voices). Listening to all these voices has made me intrested to know how many of you are at each race doing all the behind the scenes stuff?
One last thing (which people have asked for before) is can you do a feature on FOM the people that edit or produce the world feed. Would probably be a really good piece far better than your one on pit stops!
A final moan at Legard... talk fludily or think before you speak.. he gets so much stuff wrong.. cuts over Brundle and just spends most the time shouting or describing what the car is doing "its going around the corner, now the next one" WE ARE NOT ON RADIO! Bring across croft as he is far better as i am no longer goning to listen to the bbc 1 audio.. shame as brundle is really good.
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Another long time listener but frist poster here Jake.
As the others say, love the blog and was fascinated with the insight into what goes on behind the scenes and in your ear! Iassume it is second nature to you now but how long did it take you master the full talk-back back then?
When I get chance to watch practice on the red button I really enjoy Ant and Crofty, I feel great chemistry there and the banter is good entertainment.
It would be interesting to pair Ant with Martin, I'm not a Jonathan Leggard fan, but I would sooner see Ant driving in F1 again - hope next season is better for you Ant.
While I'm here another thing.
I enjoy Martin's technical explanations of understeer etc but IMHO t'other side did a better job in terms of technical details and graphics, perhaps the Beeb could look at better graphics.
Keep up the good work and it is nice not to have adverts in the middle of the race ;-)
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Hi Jake
Thanks for putting that vid on your blog. It was really interesting. How you manage to concentrate is beyond me. Anthony Davidson on the forum was great too. he should go on there more often. I really enjoy listening to his commentary during practice etc.
Any chance we can get DC on the grid walk with Martin again?
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WOW, that was a real eye opener, when i watch your coverage i sort of know that things are being said through your earpiece but not to anywhere near that extent, i really dont know how you can concentrate on which camera to look at let alone everything you have to deal with, respect!
great blog too really insightful and the beebs coverage has been top, esp since eddie has cut down on his reminiscing about the good ol' days.
keep up the great work.
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brilliant idea to share this with us. you look so cool in your presentations, i never thought you'd be nervous but now that you have shared this with us, i can almost feel your nerves in your voice. so much information to take in at once let alone remember the sequence of events plus you seem to be paying attention to what we are watching and listening to. you don't appear to be listening to other instructions at all.
great job but please don't talk with hamilton before the race. i think you did brilliantly on all the videos you made with him, in the gym and driving around silverstone.
can i ask that you ask martin to ease off criticising hamilton so much without knowing what happened with him.
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Great job Jake but alas I'm unable to benefit from your video as I live in France. F1 coverage brilliant.
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Wow, I'm really impressed by this! It's a great insight into just how much you have to deal with, listening to the talkback but also concentrating on what is going on. No wonder you had that near miss with a Toyota earlier this season with everything else you have got to concentrate on as well! And I didn't know just how much the schedule is changing as you go along with regards to what post race interviews to show etc. You certainly don't get that impression when you are watching on television!
Keep up the good work, the coverage has been excellent this season!
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Was good to see Ant Davidson there, he should come back more often. Shame Brundle wasn't there though. Ted should come back to the forum on occaision
What is great about the forum is that you're there long enough to see the team celebrations at the end, which were never shown before.
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Great blog again, Jake. Have given up correcting your grammar as it really does not matter when you give us all such great stuff. I have followed F1 since nappy days, but have never felt so involved as I do now. Thanks again for your commitment to us. Enjoy the short break. Look foreward to seeing you in Hungary (and hearing all about it) Just one thing there was a stewards enquiry into the Sutil/Kimi collision. I can't find any outcome? H. xx
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hellfinuts, no penalty was given to either driver, both the drivers and the stewards agreed it was just a racing incident
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Jake,
Like many other comments before mine: WOW!!! (With Murray Walker type enthusiasm!!!)
Seriously impressed by all the stuff you have to process whilst maintaining a cool persona and delivery to the millions of viewers!!! Not at all sure how you managed it in the heat of Bahrain etc! You must be exhausted after a show - I guess the concentration levels are probably way higher than you think, particularly when you yourself say that "when I listened back to it I found it a really nerve-wracking listen"!
How on earth did you cope in the first few races when EJ just would not stop talking and would jump right into any discussion and send it off on a tangent????????? (Eddie is much better now by the way!)
Your blog does just keep getting better, and the Twitter stuff is cool too! I reckon you can see the quality of a blog by how many 'lurkers' you can get to post comments - can you move them enough to write a reply... and as you can see from this one post alone, there are lots of lurkers emerging:)
Anyhow... to quote Jonathan Legard, I must kick on, push on, crack on...
Keep up the brilliant work:)
With a new appreciation of you work,
Naomi
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Jake, no need for the excuses!
You're doing a terrific job and I've always rated you as good presenter. It was only a matter of time after stints on NFL and Football Focus!
Judging on various forums very, very, very few cast you on bad light.
The minor quible are live/VT segues, the pauses seem a bit amataer but on the whole the BBC team have been great. The shenanigans and tense atmosphere at Silverstone was a testament of this.
Nonetheless, interesting perspective and as ever, keep up the good work!
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Great blog yet again. Please please please can you make the video available outside the UK.
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absolutely brilliant blog yet again Jake. it's amazing to be given an insight into how the show is put together
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Jake!!! Great Stuff. Love the coverage you guys do. I liked the grid walk with DC and Martin a couple of weeks back that was one of best and I find it much better coverage than on the other side....
Anyway What I wanted to ask was have you heard of Formula Student? Its happening this weekend at Silverstone and its free entry for anyone who wants to come have a look. Its on this weekend 18th to 19th for public viewing. Its basically a competition for University Engineering Students to build and race cars. Its like the other side of the F1 tree. The drivers come through all the competitive structures of the racing tree which means relatively similar vehicles, at Formula Student the Engineering side gets to play with lots of engine technology. And like the Engineers at Honda F1 said last year they get to use things that even F1 can't use. (Turbochargers superchargers carbon fibre wheels, Traction control etc). The vehicles are designed and built by the students so you can sort of imagine the outcome.
Anyway thought you should know and anyone who is a fan of engineering who wants to come along. Dunno if you will read this stuff. Would be great if the Students could get some coverage ;D
http://www.youtube.com/user/youjutsusha some vids
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Great insight raising the bar again.
I agree with Ciaran's post #17 in it's entirety.
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Nice blog Jake,
I don't know how you do that with all those voices in your ear, it's gotta be though, keep up the good work.
By the way, loving the screening of Friday Practice especially now i've done with school :D
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Seeing as there's a lack of any member of the BBC team jumping in to answer this, I will.
Jake's video contains FOM footage and can only be broadcast in the UK. This includes online. This is because of strict (and slightly stupid) FOM rules.
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I also have to agree with #17. You are all doing an excellent job this year, far better than ITV, your relaxed attitude makes the whole programme more interesting ( although from your Blog I can see it's anything but!) I think that Jonathan Leggard should, kick on, go round the bend, up the hill and charge straight out of the BBC. He is not worthy of the job he is employed for.
Thanks for giving us such good entertainment, and giving me something to look forward to, every other weekend.
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Jake,
Brilliant insight with the video showing exactly what you hear and when. Your blogs are always great showing different aspects of your job, they seem to be very diverse and show different aspects of your fantastic job rather than just similar info each time you write one. This is by far the best blog you have written so far but saying that, all your blogs are generally very interesting to read.
Why did Brundle have to fly off on some motorbike? Were was he going, is he moonlighting!? The F1 furum was great as usual.
JP
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Jake, I really enjoy your blogs, it all helps to bring the fans closer to the action. Fantastic win to Mark Webber and great to watch from Down Under (even if all the Euro races finish at 2am on a Monday morning our time!!)
Would love to be able to hear the talkback that everyone else is raving about. This is the first year we've had practice and qualifying coverage down here and I have to agree with the others that Anthony and Crofty are great to listen to. BUT Leggard drives me up the wall with his inane commentary, I feel so sorry for Martin Brundle!
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Wow. I would, quite seriously, pay good money to be able to hear that talkback as an additional feed during the live program. Talk about involving.
Mark
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Yup, Leggard is clearly a man in the wrong job. His main flaw seems to be getting launched into some background anecdote/stats and not noticing important onscreen action while he finishes his not very interesting recitation.
After half a season I have formed the impression he isn't actually very observant and has rather slow reflexes. A bit of a handicap for a motorsports commentator... and frustrating for the viewer who is actually paying attention.
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Just had my comments removed(comment 60), for critising Jonathon Legard. Most of the comment was praising Jake and the team for a truly world class production
I was stating as many others have done that the one element of the broadcast that I felt needed changing was the commentary. JL is in my view not a natural F1 commentator and is the one and ONLY area that needs improving.( dare I say changing)
I hope the BBC moderator finds this comment more acceptable.
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Hey Jake.
Firstly i'm not going to get envolved in any criticism of the coverage. I think it is excellent and some people should be grateful for all the hard work you guys put in. Formula One is amazing on the BEEB, especially in comparison to coverage abroad. Thanks for buying the rights and thanks for doing so much to publicise and cover the sport, without you guys the sport could so easily have fell off the terrestrial listings.
Anyways, it is really interesting listening to the production staff etc in that video. I suppose you'll be used to it, but it does seem as though it would be pretty off putting at first.
Also cheers for the tweets. Where can I purchase the pink shirts?
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Do you still read the comments on your blog's Jake?
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Thanks,STEVVY,for the update. Good to know the Ferrari fan club is alive and well! Kimi SO took Sutil out! Thanks again for the info.
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Jake, that was a brilliant insight. Thank you.
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Cool blog as ever. I really enjoy reading about your day's.
The "earpiece" insight was great...I would find it confusing listening to everyone!!!
Well done; thank you and keep up the good work!!! :o)
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Jake, thanks for that experience. Awesome. How you kept your composure when they we're counting down at the end whilst you were summing up I dont know. Oh, and tell your mate Mark (or something) to stop breathing down your ear piece with his nostrils! I think all I'll be able to think about now when watching is '15 seconds to stop him talking....' lol.
Thanks dude, that was really interesting.
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Just watched the forum as it's now on the web.
Just loved Anthony in it, I thought he was a brilliant extra person to have in it, can he join you 3 again PLEASE!
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Hi Jake
First go at contributing. May I say the BBC coverage this year has been outstanding & the insight you're giving into to how it works adds to the viewing experience. The ability to follow the uninterupted on track action plus the off track politics are making this an interesting season. Now we're mid season and car improvements have come along it looks like it may lead to a closer run to the titles at the end of the year than was forseen a few races back. I'll chance my arm at Red Bull getting the constructors title though I think Jenson may sqeeze the driver's. I don't think it's a foregone conclusion yet.
I'll getting tired reading those of your contributors being critical of members of your team. Regarding commentary though the interactive options you've gone to great trouble to give the viewer a choice. I spend many a race over the last few years listening to 5 Live over the TV coverage. That was because on ITV there was no continuity to the race commentary because on the incesent ad breaks. Before Murray hung up the microphone, & boy did we love his gaffs, Mr Allan was an adequate pit lane reporter no doubt well informed, commentator no, & certainly not helped by the format having to count down to an ad break & count up again after. Any continuity he had between on screen action and commentary was purely coincidental.
Now that peace seems to be breaking out in the F1 world keep up the good work this year & for the future.
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Well Jake I have a different view regaring your Blog as this is a F1 section on a public service Broadcaster the BBC and yes you indeed have a privileged position hosting this seasons F1 along with your fello presenters Eddie,Martin & David and to be very honest you Guys are doing a very fine Job !
But the content and questions on your blog and in general the fourm itself is letting this extended coverage down ! I do not particulary need to know that you are moving home Jake ! and how your wife feels about your late flights back into the Uk after a weekend away covering F1 nor do I wish to read about your earpiece, As nearly ever live broadcaster across the world has been using them for the past Twenty years of so, in order to keep up to date with fast updating and directors instructions !
To be very honest its a sign of desperation after a fantastic weekend of F1 from Germany to again be talking about yourself and irrelevant information such as an earpiece !
Look most of us who follow every world you Guys say at a weekend have thousands of questions (Just read through the fourm & your blog)but nothing is ever answered or updated untill the next race weekend and then you just start something all over again !without answering anythink that is been asked by fourm members !
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Hey Jake,
Congradulations on a great show at the weekend and for another fine blog giving us, well, most of us, the insight we were looking for. I assumed the job would be more "ask this guy something now" and "look at the camera" pointers and directions, but not an incessant babble. However, it just showed us how hard the job really is. Magic!
I don't know about my fellow readers, but I feel it might be good to have the occasional snippet of EJ, DC and you showing what you guys get up to during the live racing. Who's motorhomes you gatecrash etc, lol! Just a thought.
I know a lot of people are having a go at Legard these days, but to be honest, do we really want James Allen back? I remember a petition that was run on a motoring website to stop the BBC hiring Allen and there were thousands of names on there, mine included.
@ Post 52 Spursfan56
There are, as you listed, 4 types of dry weather tyre, however, only two are used at each weekend. Some fans, such as myself, prefer to know which compound is used; hard, medium, soft or supersoft rather than just option or prime. Usually Brundle explains which compound is the option and which is prime at the start of the race and then only refers to tyres as option or prime from that point. Hope that clears things up a bit for you mate.
Again great blog Jake
BazildonP
PS Ignore post 101. Not a true fan lol!
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I also hear voices in my head but sadly I don't get to stand in an F1 pitlane.
Seriously though, a very interesting blog.
Re: Post 101 - send it to room 101.
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Jonathan Legard is not the weakest link in the BBC team, in fact he's one of the stronger links along with Jake and Martin Brundle.
Bring back James Allen? Are you crazy?
Eddie Jordan you are the weakest link - GOODBYE
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Thanks for the fantastic insight into what goes on behind the scenes. Really good to see the team aspect. The blogs certainly makes the programme more personal
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Must agree with the above and my own previous posts regarding JL. In Q3 he was at 190decibels way too early. We knew who was faster from the sector times but he goes on as if no one knows anything until the car reaches the line.
Jake - Awesome. Keep the blogs as they are. I really feel "inside" when you combine the blogs, forum etc.
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Cracking blog I reckon, and so far great coverage. lEt down only by the naff theme tune (never liked it) and Mr Legard. I'm sorry but he a useless commentator and constantly cutting over Martin to repeat nearly word for word what Martin has just said is plainly rediculous. James Allen wasn't brilliant but he's much better and knows his game a lot more than Legard. I never thought I would say it but I'd rather have Murray back than Legard.
Anyway I digress.
I disagree with My Fennells' comments. I think its a brilliant way of doing a blog, showing the fact you are all human and not machines and you actually do have a live outside of F1 and you have to work damn hard at your job.
I'd relish the chance myself, and I read this latest blog in particular with great interest. I've always wondered how it all works behind the scenes and this is a great insight. Keep up the good work :)
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Hi Jake
Just joined your blog, thanks for taking the time to do this, it makes a big difference to us F1 fans to have a bloke like you giving us all a taster of what goes on during and around race weekends - nice work fella!
Also, the combination of you, DC & EJ is great, especially when EJ goes off on one! Keep up the good work boys, Cheers. Zeke.
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Hi there guys,
Thanks for all your recent messages on the blog. I'm delighted that it was a unique insight and proved interesting for so many of you to hear my talkback. That was the idea! I also enjoy reading all your suggestions for future blogs - all taken onboard.
I've had a busy week since getting through the front door on Sunday night after sharing the flight home with the likes of Ross Brawn, and whenever I've had a spare few moments I've been checking to see if the long awaited Concorde Agreement has finally been signed.
The news I've been hearing is that everyone is pretty much ready and it should be signed and sealed very shortly indeed. I still think it's amazing how much of our time the sports governing figures command. It's something that's peculiar to Formula 1. Can you imagine Match of the Day discussing Richard Scudamore's position at the Premier League in between highlights of Man U and Chelsea? I don't think so and that's the way it should be. The supervisors aren't the stars.
I hope you'll agree that we've got the balance right between politics and sport so far this season. We've always been conscious that people are mainly tuning in for the latter. It'll be nice when it's just racing that we fill our programme with, won't it?
Anyway, onto a few replies:
davedpg5 asked if I use talkback in the Forum. Yes Dave, I use it all the time when we're live. The talkback at the end of the show that you heard was actually particularly calm and easy to listen to compared to other times. For the Forum there is even more to digest as guest are joining us and news and interviews are filtering through to the gallery as we're live. Mark Wilkin, the editor with the calming tones, then relays all that to me. It's particularly busy but worth the effort. You guys seem to love the Forum, and it's now on the website if you missed this weeks.
RubberGoat, Estesark, and all the other who are reading this abroad and left messages to say they can't see anything online. I'm really sorry that the BBC isn't permitted to transmit any F1 footage abroad so you can't get the full effect of the website its a real shame, but thats what the contract says, Im afraid.
spurs-surfer. Thanks for your message about the little set-to that DC and EJ enjoyed about Mark's move on Rubens. They did get quite heated... Anthony Davidson didn't know where to look! It is very hard to hear what's being said during the news conference as we are moving from pit to paddock and as you've heard on the talkback that's a time where we have to plan coming off air and how we'll do it. We'll work on it!
WelcomeHomeF1; yes I do listen to talkback during the race. Usually I sit somewhere with DC and EJ, we'll grab some food or a coffee and watch the first hour together and chat about the race - wearing our earpieces to hear Ledgy and Martin's comms. Then, as the race wraps up, we start discussing where we will base ourselves and what we will do. For example, this week I thought hearing from 'Team Webber' would work really well, so after checking with Mark Wilkin, with five laps left and not wanting to temp fate, I managed to track down the lovely Red Bull press officer, Katie. I asked if we could chat to Roger Cleary, Mark Webbers physio, and Ciaron Pilbeam, his race engineer if we could find them in the pit lane melee. Fortunately, we did.
Riggadon asked if we're actually live when we're live. Well, Riggadon, live is exactly that with no delay at all. What we say in the pit lane or paddock is transmitted that very second. With regards to the news conference, you enquired about, well you heard Katherine counting to the end of it, and here's why. When we're live after the race with guests joining us and lots happening in the pit lane it seems a shame to cut people off or end things prematurely just to hit the conference the very moment it starts. You will have heard Mark say: you need to get the press conference now down my ear. The presser would have started as Roger was finishing his answer and I then linked straight to it. By then we'd probably be 30 seconds or so behind live, that's all. It means you get the conference almost as soon as it's begun, and we keep the programme neat and tidy by not scrabbling to hit it live.
Rob499, great Frank Bough story... things don't change. do they?!
sassy-sez, I'm pretty sure DC will take to the grid with Martin again before long. We might even unleash EJ onto the grid, too!!
Youjutsusha, thanks for the invite to Silverstone this weekend but I'm away with family this weekend. All the best with Formula Student. Sounds great!
Anyway, hope you all have a great weekend. I must just say that while we're all relishing the title becoming wide open again, it's worth sparing a thought for Sebastian Bourdais, who has been dropped by Toro Rosso.
He hasn't actually said more than two words to me all season long and was hardly an engaging paddock personality. Even so, I always think it must be tough when you've been successful elsewhere and you want to prove yourself on the biggest stage of all. Just shows how much of an achievement success in F1 really is, and we all get to meet at least one new driver in Hungary. Whoever it is, to make your debut at the challenging, technical Hungaroring won't be easy!!
Take care,
Jake
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Hi Jake , i have already commented earlier this week about this blog and have now had a chance to hear the talkback video. WOW, thats awesome and to me a very difficult thing to do and the brain could quite easily get confused with all the stats you were giving out and then the stuff thats being fed in your ear, excellent stuff.
Your doing a first class job Jake and after listening to that its not just a matter of standing infront of a camera and talking F1 to DC & EJ but its all about timing. Have a good few days of before going to Hungary
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Thank you for the replies, the great hosting and the blogs, Jake. The video above is great, even if people may not be able to view it outside the UK.
@101 - Fundamentally wrong, blogs like this are what makes the BBC coverage so good this year.
And we know you're not going to get involved in the Legard debate Jake, but it is a sad thing that there is a weak link in the show, and it's almost making watching F1 impossible. I think Mr. Legard is suffering from the transition from radio to TV - and while I was always prepared to give that time, I simply cannot forgive him for constantly interrupting or talking over Martin Brundle. It's inexcusable and unprofessional. The lowest example of which was at Monaco, when he asked Martin a (possibly) interesting question... only to talk over him after less than 3 words with "The reason I asked is..." and continued to talk for another 2 minutes solid. Martin actually gave up commentating that race for long periods and it was sad to witness.
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Wow! I have a newfound respect for your job! It must be weird having voices in your head all day!
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Jake, please inform Jonathan he's doing a fantastic job and to ignore the tedious ramblings associated with an immature minority of the audience.
It would be sheer stupidity, madness and lunacy to take these people seriously, especially after they advocate the return of James Allen of all people.
Even the CBBC commentary is too sophisticated for them, perhaps there should be an additional CBeebies commentary option?
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Talking of talk back this is an interesting watch/listen
The One O'clock News from 1986 with talkback
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqhEpjOf__A
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Hi Jake, great blog and fantastic coverage.
With Jaime Alguersuari coming into the STR for Hungary I'm pretty sure it's not Jamie (as in Oliver) but pronounced 'Highme' I followed his progress through F3 last year, the jury's still out. I'm not sure he's another Alonso
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Hi Jake, great blog yet again! I think your doing a brilliant job giving a detailed insight and the fact your so fan friendly is even better :)
I will be in the paddock at Monza all weekend doing some press work, so I'll try to find you and have a chat....
Enjoy Hungary!
Sam Mallinson
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Good blog, interesting insight, Jake lad.
On the subject of Jonathan Legard, I say give him time. He has improved slightly since the first two GP's, but still tends to interrupt Martin and occasionally lapses into radio mode, e.g. "Here comes Button..." - err, no he doesn't, because we the viewers can't see him on the TV! I also think he should drop the jokey asides and change the way he gives a run-down of the leaders, e.g. "Webber, from Vettel, from Button", which sounds like the reverse order.
James Allen was poor in his first 1 or 2 years with ITV, and was seen as the weak link in their team. His over-enthusiastic, over the top commentaries ("monstered by Montoya") were very irritating. But in his last 2 years he calmed down and I think he developed into a very good commentator - knowledgable and enthusiastic about the sport, commenting accurately on the action and his parternship with Martin was excellent.
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Jake
Yet another long time reader, first time poster - are there many of us left?
I'm an ex-pat currently living in Budapest, and have been for the last few years. It's fair to say that I didn't miss the 'other channel' coverage for the first couple of seasons here - I probably got as much out of the Hungarian or German coverage available to me as I did theirs, despite speaking neither language! Maybe even more from the German channel as the set up is very similar to yours, so plenty of VT to watch and and even some of the interviews were in English - shame they had even more adverts than the other guys!
Anyway, the news that it was returning home to the BBC, and especially the news that Murray would be back involved, meant I had to do something about it. Thanks to the wonders of a media streaming device sat back home, I can now enjoy the wondrous coverage from the BBC over here, especially all the VTs and the engaging banter in the build up and post race chat. Further to that, the 'extras' tagged on with the website, blogs etc truely make the F1 coverage top notch. Possibly now the best sports coverage going. Keep it up - a challenge for the future in itself, although it seems the enthusiasm and innovation in the team will stand you in good stead.
Changing the subject, if you and the boys want some pointers about places to go in Budapest, I'll happily oblige. I'll even offer my services as a guide for the princely some of a beer or 2.
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THE BEST EVER!!!!! I want more like that. Britain_not_Brit Legard is doing fine and I like what he does and the 'Here comes Button" is great as we know where everyone is. Allen was great by being over boystrous. Anyway this is about Jake.
When you run through the finishing order with the 3D visual can you say every drivers name and ask them to slow it down as I often miss a couple of drivers.
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Really good post, a nice insight into what happens behind the scenes I really appreciate the job you do throughout the race weekend!
Keep it up!
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Wow, that's a lot of stuff going on! My respect for you has increased Ten-fold! Although, I was disappointed that I couldn't find a replay of the F1 Forum on the site
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@goldMarkL1 #113
The thing is, mate, it's not the minority. Go to any popular F1 forum and see for yourself. The fans are sick of being patronised by him, by the long rambling nonsense, the talking over Martin - which should be a punishable offence in my opinion - and the uncomfortable silences. I find myself tuning out and then having to rewind when I find I've missed an important bit.
I accept that no commentator will ever be universally popular, but JL sadly winds quite a few people up, just like his predecessor. Briton_not_Brit has a very valid point; we are not listening on the radio. Perhaps we would all enjoy his commentary more if we were.
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Jake, I'm in awe. How you manage to do your job with all that chatter going on is beyond me. I think I'd find it unbelievably irritating!
Re: the Legard debate...personally I don't think he's that good but it's not enough to really bother me. But can I suggest to people who really can't stand his commentary that you press the red button and listen to some of the other commentary instead. One of the great things about the BBC's coverage this season is that we have so many options of how to watch and hear the races. So why not make the most of them?
Anyway, I'm off to pack now as I'm heading to Budapest in a couple of days for the race - maybe I'll see you and the guys at Hungaroring, Jake :-)
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to Suzanne in #122
Any mathematics teacher would tell you that 9 out of 123 complaints on this blog is a clear minority and LoveF1 in #123 is right about the other commentary choices.
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Wow Jake great blog. I'm new to this blogging and twittering and you are the first person I'm blogging, and can't think of anyone better.
It is great to read your blogs and find out what goes on behind the scenes, whether you are a fan of F1 or if anyone wants to be a presenter, you give an insight for me to see and to know reality.
It looks like a brilliant dream job that would make anyone jealous and look at you and envy you. I do.
Is there anybody you would love to interview? Me I would love to interview Michael Schumacher and I saw your interview with him and is brilliant to see Michael so relaxed, you can see the pressure and stress thats now off him and enjoying family life more.
Keep up the posts and keep firing those brilliant ideas of yours. Oh and great driving by the way when you were with JB and Lewis.
An idea for you, what is it like spending the BBC's budgets. All the expenses your team use on hotels etc, do they give you top rate hotels or dodgy ones. Did you stay in DC's hotel when you were in Monaco? Something on that would be fun.
Cheers
Anna
xx
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Jake. That was a brilliant insight into your working conditions, thank you so much for posting this and I hope you could maybe post some more content like this in the future. I think most people, like myself, would be in a panic with lots of voices going on in my ear. It also educates well to those people that want to do a similar job on what it is like to work as TV host.
Thanks and well done to you and all the crew behind the cameras and in the control rooms that made and make this all happen.
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Jake, could you make sure that some coverage is given over to the death of Henry Surtees in Hungary? Not just because it is a tragic incident, but because I think Brundle will have a particularly interesting viewpoint on it and, I think the strength of wheel tethers needs to be discussed - especially with people like Patrick Head. Wheels have been flying off in F1 this year and they are supposed to be tethered to stop that happening (or at least reduce the speed that they are released). Now that someone has died as a result (albeit in F2) will they be investigated?
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Eventually got around to reading yr blog. Fascinating. Having done some radio broadcasting in my youth (30+ years ago) I know that when your on the spot its pretty tricky to think, listen and speak at the same time. However, it wasn't as bad as I'd thought it would be. The thing is, of course, while your presenting you can't be aware of all the VT bits so as fan, I'd want to watch all of those later. Your timing is to the second perfect, though, which I can really relate to. Its one thing watching a clock and talking, as you do in radio studio, its another entirely to have someone talking in your ear instead. From a viewers point of view it comes across, almost as if rehearsed... which being live is impossible. Im impressed. Keep up the good work.
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completely agree with Blythy_vxR; It always sad when a driver is killed but to my immediate memory its been quite a long time since such a young (and British) driver has died in an international open-wheel race (my most sincere and genuine apologies if I have forgotten anybody else).
I thought the new F2 chassis was meant to be 'F1-standard' in terms of safety - if that's the case then i would be extremely worried if an incident similar to what happened to poor Henry should occur in F1; hence why I feel it would be appropriate for Jake and the guys to discuss the implications on screen. Martin's insight would be particularly useful given his own son races in the same category.
R.I.P. Henry
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oh and in retaliation to #101, what on earth is he blethering on about?!? I enjoy reading this blog and what Jake gets up to
Jake, you are an excellent host for F1 on the BBC (something which admittedly i didn't expect) - keep up the excellent work!
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Thank you for the blogs, Jake. It's really interesting to get an insiders view.
The talkback was facinating. I can imagine how daunting it would be at first with all the information, but how valuable it can be. I guess you can pick up on bits you need to hear.
Also, kudos to everyone behind the scenes that we don't see that make each programme. There's more to it that a lot of people think!
I know it may be a bit short notice, but with the untimely passing of Henry Surtees, could you guys put in few words for him, and highlight how safe these cars have become over the years, even though such tragic things can happen. Martin will have a huge insight I suspect.
Keep up the excellent work!!
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Another great blog.
I am loving the bbc coverage this year, and think that you are doing a terrific job. However there are a few things that could be improved in my opinion, mainly fine details. Nitpicking.
F1 is a highly technical sport where the teams bring different updates to every race. At the moment we have MB and JL saying 'this team have an updated front wing for this race' without explaining how it has been updated and what the updates are intended to do. More insight into these updates would be a brilliant addition.
On Saturdays quali session half of the build up was presented from what looked like a truck stop on the M62. Please pick locations carefully so that you are in the heart of the action.
Also please sort out the clothes that EJ wears on tele. It would look far more presentable if you all had some one coordinatign your clothes.
Such little details make such a big difference.
Keep up the great work though.
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Jake - this blog is fantastic and probably my most-read section of the BBC website. I've really enjoyed the coverage of F1 so far this season (especially without the ad breaks!) and this post gives the 'man-on-the-street' an insight into what the names on the final credits actually do. I definitely agree that a VT on the set-up of the TV production operation would be fascinating.
A couple of questions from the video though; you EJ and DC all wear different ear-pieces - any reason other than personal preference? DC's earpieces look ideal for use under a helmet, are these similar to the one's the drivers use and who makes them?
Cheers and looking forward to the rest of the season...
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I've been away and am just catching up on this blog. It's good to see people are so passionate about the sport and the coverage but disappointing that they're using Jake's blog to attack Jonathan's commentary. Jonathan has his own blog... http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/jonathanlegard/ ... If you want to criticise him at least have the courage, decency and honesty to do it 'to his face' on his own blog. A tip for you: You can change things you dislike more easily by praising and encouraging the positive than carping on about the negative (basic parenting 101) !
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It must be insane,its hard enough with the wife in my ear let alone all those other people too.
Just wanted to say a big thank you to yourself and the rest of the team for providing us the fans with the quality coverage that F1 and its fans deserve.
Live uninterupted coverage presented by a knowlegable and passionate team makes F1 more of a Sunday treat,than just another race..
Ferrari will be massive in 2010.
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This isn't about this particular blog but in general I am really loving the coverage with the BBC. I have been a fan for over 10 years and avidly tuned in to the live races when possible. My brother works as a chef for F1 and travels everywhere with the teams but I only get to hear what drivers have in their sandwiches or what they pig out on when their trainers aren't looking! Jake you have a great (seemingly very relaxed) style and it works so well with David Coulthard's pragmatic approach. I love DC and his comments from experience are always highly relevant. EJ makes me laugh as I can't believe how he gets away with setting up the drivers the way he does but it can be a bit cringe-making and embarrassing at times. Loved the recent chat with Michael Schumacher though when DC had a turn at making the interviewee squirm - nice one! Looking forward to Hungaroring on Sunday. Thanks guys it has been a fabulous season ... you've helped to turn things around when the FIA have done their best to destroy what is a Sunday lunchtime institution!
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Wow! Have only just managed to listen to the feed you have during the programme. I have only admiration for anyone who can deal with that cacophony of sound and instruction whilst listening to interviews and asking questions.
I should also like to comment on the production teams professionalism in making decisions 'on the fly' and the countdown at the end, whilst an everyday occurence for you, was just magical to see and hear in action.
Thanks to everyone at the BBC for what has been a fantastic season so far; long may it continue.
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Just discovered your blog and really enjoy the frankness of your experiences. Great stuff keep it up. It is however so frustrating not being able to participate fully as I live in Rep of Ireland and video/audio "not available in your area" Grrrr.
Anyhow keep up the good work and remember you have one of the best jobs in the world!
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I have watched Grand Prix for many years. I always liked the pairing of Murry and James Hunt and like Martin as a commentator.
I wish you could bring your skills to the commentary. You are impressive in the part you play and i like the fast command you have of what is going on. I particularly like the way you know when to stay quiet and let others talk, yet are arert enough to be able to step in and move things on.
I am sorry, but I do not like Martin's co commentator. He is all the things you are not.
Is there any chance you could bring your skills into the commantary box?
Thanks for what you do.
Greygorre
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#140 that would be a crazy idea. Jake is a presenter not a commentator.
Jonathan Legard is doing very well and his commentaries are excellent.
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Great insight Jake, thanks for posting.
Put Crofty and Davidson on the main BBC1 commentary feed and the whole package will be excellent. They are more enthusiastic and knowledgable than part of the current commentary partnership.
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I think you should have stuck to CBBC, I didn't see you then and I wont have to see you in the future!!
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