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F1 in HD will look 'stunning' - Humphrey

Formula 1 will look 'stunning' in high definition this year, predicts BBC grand prix presenter Jake Humphrey

AUTOSPORT revealed earlier this week that Formula One Management informed broadcasters that it will switch to full HD coverage of the sport from the start of the 2011 campaign.

The confirmed hours later that it will show F1 in HD - and that is something which Humphrey in particular is keen to see for the first time.

"It will be great," Humphrey said on stage at the AUTOSPORT International Show. "People have asked for years for F1 in HD, and the BBC has done the same thing with Bernie [Ecclestone]. We would go to FOM and tell them we are really keen to have F1 in HD.

"Until now it was not available, and we knew that as soon as it was available we would offer it out. But it has been out of our hands. I am so excited to watch it in HD."

He added: "The way F1 works, the cars are designed with a survival cell and everything is designed to shear off and disappear. There are brilliant moments where cars disintegrate - and in HD that will look stunning! I really cannot wait."

Humphrey also believes that fans can look forward to an improved show from the this year following a shake-up of its commentary team.

"I think we will get a lot of colour and the roles will change," said Humphrey about Martin Brundle and David Coulthard working together.

"I thought Jonathan Legard [previous commentator] did great, and I will miss him. As a member of the team he was fantastic. He was a good friend.

"But if you are a fan and looking at television, we have two guys who have driven in hundreds of grands prix and attended nigh-on 1000. You have a guy who has been in the commentary box for 15 years.

"Some are saying that you don't have a journalist in there, but I cannot see any journalistic qualification that is better than 15 years of sitting alongside Murray Walker, James Allen and Jonathan Legard. And David Coulthard will be great alongside him."

Asked about how the pre-race build-up show will work now that Coulthard will be in the commentary box during races, Humphrey said: "Myself, David and Eddie [Jordan] will be there at the start of the show right up until the grid walk - which Martin will do.

"If Martin finds the commentary box is too far away then I will do a bit more on the grid. During the grid walk, David will go to the commentary box and then after the race we will have the F1 Forum for everybody. The changes will be subtle but it is a brilliant team and a great line-up."

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