Since their return the BBC have made some huge improvements to the coverage of Formula 1. One of their key tactics has been the VT. VT’s are pre-recorded and edited inserts into a live show. Emotional, evocative and informative, there is always something to keep you interested and I always wonder what they will come up with next. From montages accompanied by expressive music to technical explanations to interviews with the likes of Sir Stirling Moss. VTs add real drama and depth to a show essentially consisting of people standing around and talking about one event.

The team that has been built up has also found a real sweet spot. Martin Brundle and Jonathan Ledgard make a great commentary team, both flowing with stats and updates, but also with inside knowledge and great analytical skill. Equally, Ted Kravitz and Lee McKenzie keep feeding the main presentation team with information, updates and inside rumours covering every angle of the off-track goings on from pit-lane incidents, to opportune driver interviews, to stewards meetings.

Eddie Jordan and David Coulthard are an odd pairing for sure, but work in a funky kind of way. DC provides analytical analysis from a drivers perspective. He appears to have really ingrained himself in teams, understanding the ramifications of all actions and he’s able to explain that well just as Brundle always has. Eddie on the other hand may be quirky and odd, but he brings an entirely different point of view, one you may not agree with but one which makes you think every time.

The whole thing feels like a big family event, held together brilliantly by new guy Jake Humphrey. Jake appears to be a genuinely nice guy who really wants to do the best he can for the fans. Always available through twitter, his blogs and email, he really seems to want to interact. It makes all the difference to have someone who can take a slightly odd, spur of the moment interview with the likes Nicole Scherzinger (who is always a little loopy) in his stride and then get back on track. It just feels natural with Jake at the helm.

Of course, the producers have done a great job. I’m positive the interaction, much of the ideas, the freshness and so on are down to them in much the same way that Top Gear isn’t all about Clarkson, Hammond and May but really the producers. Still, the chemistry found in the on-camera team is phenomenal. Oh, and let’s not forget the mad cameramen who keep up with these guys in some crazy spur of the moment trips down the pit lane.

All in it feels like a great young team, full of energy & enthusiasm & ideas, and long may it continue. Thanks guys!