A Brundle of Fun (Martin Brundle)

Member Name: rob_writer

Product:	Martin Brundle
Date:	08/07/01 (56 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Knowledge, Good commentator

Disadvantages: Not as enthusiastic as Murray

I have actually written an op on Martin Brundle in the 'other' section, but that isn't very good and I want to do a better job of it in here!!

Martin Brundle has for the last few years been the co-commentator of the famous Murray Walker, but now as Murray's final season marches ever onward it will not be long before Martin Brundle inherits the lead commentator role. How is he going to cope? And will anyone ever be as good as Murray?

A few years ago I would have said that Brundle was a little reserved, perhaps a little dry, lacking in emotion and feeling. Being an ex Formula One driver his knowledge of the sport cannot be questioned, but when compared with the enthusiasm of Murray he was somewhat lacking.

As the years have passed he has certainly improved and although he is never going to be a match for Murray in terms of sheer enthusiasm, I feel that he is perhaps a better all round commentator. Don't get me wrong, I do love Murray Walker and I think that when he retires at the end of the year Formula One will lose something that cannot be replaced. We may talk of great drivers, but Murray Walker has given as much to Formula One throughout the years as anyone. But (and there had to be a but) Martin Brundle never makes mistakes like Murray, and his experience as a driver allow him to give a much better explanation of what is going out on the track.

The fact that he was a driver means that he knows Formula One inside out. He knows the tracks like the back of his hand, where the hard sections are, where you can overtake, how the car should be set up etc. He knows what it's like from the drivers perspective, he can tell you what they are feeling and why they are doing certain things! He even knows how the cars work, and can usually do a good job of diagnosing any failures that occur out on the track.

That is why Martin and Murray were such a good combination - Martin knew his stuff, and Murray provid
ed the energy and enthusiasm. Martin has become more emotional over the years, but I still think he needs someone like Murray to balance it out. James Allen has been Murrays replacement for the races he has sat out this year, and while he is good, I do think that he is a little too much like Martin for them to be a good pair.

But before I paint Martin out to be boring I must correct myself, because he isn't!! Before most races Martin partakes on what he calls his Grid Walk, a live segment of the show where he takes viewers on a quick tour of the grid just before the race. At this time the grid is extremely busy and Martin does very well to carry out to perfection what could be a difficult part of the show. His presentation skills are second to none, but more than that - he seems to know everyone! Formula One is often a very glamorous sport and during his time Martin has met stars such as Puff Daddy and Naomi Campbell. He evens seems to know Naomi on a first name basis. He has no fear either, as he often just strolls up to a star, pushes his way past everyone else and talks to them whether they really want to or not. Once more his ex driver status means that he knows lots of the people in the paddock, so for the less star studded races he can get some inside info from a team member or even a driver themselves!

As a driver Martin was actually quite good. Infact, he hasn't completely retired yet, as he drove in this years Le Mans 24 hour race and even lead before his Bentley caught fire! He did suffer a few bad accidents though, and during commentating for one race he remarked that one corner was almost named after him!

It's important not to underestimate the importance of having a good commentary team, you only need to listen to the god-awful natter that accompanies the American NASCAR series to realise that!! Martin Brundle does a good job on F1, and will hopefully continue to do so for a number of years yet!!

Oh, and f
or anyone who worries about the lack of humour once Murray goes, read the description of this category at the top of the page!

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