Grapevine: Brundle confirms new BBC role

Brundle told guests attending the Autocar Awards, at London's Royal Horticultural Hall, that he had contemplated whether to continue in the role he has occupied for ITV since his retirement from racing at the end of 1996.

"I'm delighted to be able to tell you all that I'll be joining the BBC next year," he said.

"I've been commentating on Formula One for the past dozen years, and I briefly considered calling it a day. But in the end I decided to take up the BBC's offer and I'm now very excited about working for them next year."

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone concluded a five-year deal, which includes exclusive rights to radio, mobile and internet broadcasting, with the BBC in March this year.

The BBC is believed to be close to finalising its 2009 line-up, with former Radio 5 Live commentator Jonathan Legard favourite to land the leading commentary role, and the recently-retired David Coulthard set to join as a pundit.