Farewell to a brilliant season - and roll on 2010

i enjoyed ur blog through out the year jake!!! FANTASTIC!!!!
now i dont know where i will get my fix of motorsports till march!! =/

ps.. first one to comment!! =]

Great blog Jake and thanks for the coverage this year! It has been one special year and I'd say at least 100% better than last year with the red button coverage and the F1 Forum also not forgetting EJ and DC!

19 weeks to wait.... there's no chance you could put some testing on the red button just to bridge the gap?

Great blog Jake and great presenting throughout the year! I have been throughly entralled by F1 this year and back on the BBC, which is its rightful home.

I have enjoyed all the banter between DC and EJ and Eddie's brillant knack of being able to find the main stars to interview. It's great fun when he suddenly disappears!

The commentary has been great and I have loved the F1 forum, a great addition to the coverage. It really makes you feel as though you are there and allows you to see what actually goes on after the race.

It was a fairytale for Brawn and Jenson this year and I can hardly believe it is over already!

Well done to everyone at the BBC, great to have F1 back. I'm already looking forward to next season.

Top blog Jake and thanks for making the F1 coverage a pleasant surprise over the year.

One grumble though - why was there no F1 forum on the freeview red button? Had to watch it on a small screen via the internet - not as much fun!

Enjoy the winter and look forward to hearing from you next year.

Excellent blog as always Jake, a small snapshot of memories that dominated such a great season of Formula One.

I think the BBC coverage has made it all the more memorable and perhaps I'd like to put forward another alternative award to the mix

Most Awkward Moment Of the Season award

No runners up, the winner goes to Jake Humphrey doing his best to interview a very awkward and closed Bernie Ecclestone at the Singapore GP, it probably goes down as the most difficult thing I've ever had to watch!

Bernie was unrelentingly arrogant and probably the least interview worthy person on that day but Jake did his best to steer things along, I'm sure he deserves another award for most patient interviewer of the season too!

I've really enjoyed your blogs as well as the rest of the coverage this year. You and the team have dealt with the unexpected brilliantly.

As Ted and Lee get to spend a lot of time both speaking to the drivers and the crews in the garages during the race, it would be great if we could have more of their input into the red button forums next season.

T-133. Keep it up!

What an exciting season. Can't wait for next year and the shakedown between the old guard, the new young turks and the brand new teams on the grid. It was thrilling to watch this year back on the Beeb. Glad you enjoyed it as much as us.

I have one question from this weekend since the track seemed to prove itself - what was it like for the fans and how many of them were there? As you described with Silverstone, the footsoldier fans who don't get to swan around in multimillion dollar celebrity hospitality suites don't look for the set dressing. They just look to be close to the action and hopefully lots of it. I'm sure we'll get a Silverstone GP but it would be a travesty if we didn't.

Meanwhile, congrats to the all the BBC team from the 'As it happened' bloggers who always had me chuckling to the, I'm sure many unseen OB production team members to all the front of camera guys. Roll on 2010.

xJess

Jak and the whole team.

Yep follwinf 2008 was never going to be easy but I think you did it!

The 'team' we see on tv(you, DC, E, MB,JL + pitlae people) have ae 209 fantastic. EJ's cheek in grabbing people for interviews, DC's knowlege of the cars, tracks and just general F1 knowledge has given huge insight.

MB and JL commentating were excellent and hop they are both there next season.

Red button is brilliant.

See you all next year - enjoy the break.

How about next season letting viewrs dial in to ask "live" questions of the team? not just via email on the red button (Saturday Mornng Kitchen Style)

Gotta hand it to you Jake, this year's been the best in Formula One, no matter what was going on in the sport itself, you guys gave us spectacular, unquestionably spotless coverage and equalled the amazing year that F1s thrown at us. Like you say, roll on 2010.

Hi, Jake i must admit when i heard you were going to be the new presenter of f1 i wasn't optimistic! But that soon changed over the first few races, i warmed to you very quickly and am glad to say you have been great all season long.

I have also enjoyed the red button forum that has kept me entertained alot further than ITV ever did!

I also applaud the BBC for having DC and EJ as co-presenters they bring spice to our TV screens with their banter!

So with that said keep up the good work and here's to the 2010 season, o and a great blog today by the way :)

Nice blog's Jake enjoyed them all season!

Have to say great coverage by the BBC, on youtube you can find many videos of the openings from grand prix's and all of them videos are truly amazing, the Silverstone one certainly show's us why we need it!

Great overall coverage from Friday prac to the F1 Forum online show's us alot more behind the F1 world than ITV did.

The extra coverage and getting the drivers off the cuff and not just in the paddock area for 20 seconds after the race explains what went wrong second hand from some engineer out back. So really good coverage from the BBC and these blogs, Murrays input and EJ's remarks have made it a great season.

Fantastic to watch too!

I don't think I've ever see so many TV presenters nearly get run over in one season ;)

So come on then Jake, without splitting them into categories, give us THE moment that if you could go back to this season what would it be?


Keep up the good work, 133 and counting!

Fantastic job - well done Jake and the rest of the BBC team. The racing has at times been a little dull, but the coverage has been brilliant.It has been great to get your 'fans perspective' throughout the season, from the TV coverage, your blogs and interviews with Chris Moyles.

2009 has been a year of true revelations: Brawn, Red Bull & Jake Humphrey

(ps we need EJ back next year!)

You guys have done an ABSOLUTELY awesome job this season Jake! The first show was a little rough around the edges, but it just went from strength to strength.

As you all started to Gel together, and your experience grew, it all started to fall into place.

I can't wait the 132 odd days till the craziness starts all over again!

I'd like to buy you all a beer for the job you have done :P

Ciao!

Fabtasastic coverage this year, and I've really enjoyed your blog as well. Huge thanks to you and all the team for helping to make the season so memorable- I think you should all be up for some sort of award for the job you've done this year. 133 days seems a long time to wait, but I'm sure it will be worth it.

(PS If you need somebody to carry your bags next season- I'm available!!)

Great blog, Jake. A big thank-you from us F1 fans for the fantastic job the BBC did this season. Please ask the red button guys for a consistent format though.
Please don't stop blogging just because it's winter, there is still so much to tell us about, driver changes, engine suppliers and of course the future of our GP, Silverstone or Donnington?
I follow you on Twitter and enjoy your comments, please keep them coming.
Thank-you

I missed the forum today - will it be available to watch on the F1 site?

I know I've said this already, but I really am impressed with the BBC coverage this year, it has been the antipathy of ITV and their style of broadcasting. Jake, you're a very affable host who perhaps doesn't have the same level of knowledge some of us fans do but it is actually a nice feeling watching you grow into F1; it's the best sport in the world and you'll find, like the rest of us, that the winter break is cruel to us F1 fans!!!

Congratulations on an excellent maiden season to the whole team, and roll on Bahrain, where we may see Jens defend his title successfully, where the start of Alonso's dominance in a Ferrari begins, where ManorF1 or Lotus become the new Brawn, where Lewis grows into a great champion...........I can't wait!!!!

I'm feeling all emotional now.........!!

Well done to all the Beeb throughout this years F1!

I distinctly remember the main thing that was worrying a lot when the BBC got the F1 back was if they were going to keep The Chain as the theme. Yes. Therefore, fantastic.

The coverage was fantastic. EJ and his crazy dress sense. DC and his sanity. Jakeys shirts accompanying EJ's clothes.

But most of all, Brundle annoying the Sky woman a lot! Fantastic grid walks, especially when he gets corporate interviews from some, crazy characters, and the pushing in - fantastic! That man deserves a medal for his persistence.

Jakey has made the coverage amazing. It also helps that he is an outside, effectively, bridging the gap between me (a driver who likes f1) and the racers and teams. Also, full praise to JH, DC and EJ keeping everyone onboard at Brazil quali, when they were on Live TV with no defined ending point, and had to keep it interesting, knowing they could be on air for ages! Fantastic coverage this year, it'll be interesting to see how you can make it better next year!

To all the team, the camera crew, the presenters, the producers, the editors, the assistants, JH, EJ, DC, JL, and MB, and of course the f1 teams themselves, well done and thanks for a fantastic year!

Excellent Job Jake, you couldn't have made the season much better!

thanks again, enjoy your time off :)

see you in march!

Great blog as usual Jake. It's been fascinating to read your behind the scenes comments this year, looking forward to next year already. BBC coverage this year has been amazing, well done to all the team. 133 days seems too far away.

Jake
You are another hanger on in the big pipeline of BBC employees that cost the tax payer and add little value other than you own enjoyment.
Don't get me wrong what you have to write is good, but it's so obvious that you had no idea about F1 to start with. How did you get this job?
It doesn't look like the usual BBC political correctness.
Regards
Tony

Jake,

Great blog as always, have really enjoyed reading them this year.

Seriously though, how did the Bernie Ecclestone interview not get in there somewhere? That was cringe-tastic! Hilariously uncomfortable but you both dealt with it well!!

Well done for BBC coverage :)

Jake, I registered just to let you know what I thought of the job you have done this season. You have been amazing. I'm not the world's greatest F1 fan, I like it, but I'm not obsessed, but you've really helped me understand the mad, mad world that is F1. Because you were new to F1, you seemed to know the questions to ask and they almost always seemed to be the questions I really wanted to know the answers to.

I have loved everything from your tweets, to talking to Chris Moyles on a Friday to your blog. The coverage on BBC and especially on the red button were always excellent. The BBC, you, Martin Brundle and EJ and DC have been fantastic, you've brought us all the information we have needed, but it's been so much fun, the chaos and the drama have just added to the feeling of almost being there.

Keep it up and I'll see you next season!

therocklobster: Jake got the job because he is comfortable on camera and has a genuine interest in the sports he is chosen to cover, unlike Ray Stubbs who thankfully has jumped ship.

Jake - I didn't expect that you and the team could surpass the ITV coverage, but you have. You make a great threesome on screen, the post-race Red Button coverage has become a must for us, and this blog is really good too. Thanks, Evan

PS my "alternative award" of the year would you to you, DC and EJ for the way you handled the rain-delay in the middle of qualifying in Brazil! Roll-on next season

Jake,

Great coverage today as always. Really enjoyed the BBC coverage this year, and things like the forum, classic gps, Murrays moments/Q&A sessions and of course this blog have made the season great. Love the fact the the man in the street can be made to feel a part of the show. Love the interviews with randoms on the forum, its what we want to see! All the extra little bits have made it great, including great build ups to the shows, we were in awe watching you go round silverstone. I'm sure you know you have the best job in the universe, and you are doing a great job at it. Roll on Bahrain 10. Cant wait.

Favemandave

Brilliant first year BBC. All of you have done a stellar job. Jake particularly has been a great surprise. DC was always going to be good and EJ is great fun. Martin as always is the best F1 commentator working today.
I hope the team doesnt change next year and if only we could get High Def out of Bernie, everything would be complete!

As for Tony's comment, I am a massive F1 fan and have been for over 20 years, and I think Jake has done brilliantly well. I thought his interviews with various people including the ferocious Bernie where you pushed him harder than most people dare were great. Sometimes giving a job to someone without a deep background in the job can be a real breath of fresh air.

Have a great break...

Wow! you were quick today with your blog, Jake.

I'd like to say a great big thank-you to you and the rest of the team for the fantastic coverage the BBC has given us this year. Especially the red button forums, they have just made race day.

The practice sessions have been great fun too, more so for the chat and banter that has gone on during them.
I can't wait for next year to start. Just one thing, more of Lee on screen next year, OK!

I really enjoyed the coverage this year and it was a fantastic year and can't wait for the start of next year

Don't look back into the sun, now you know that the time is come, and they said that it would never come for you.

Oh my friend you haven't changed looking rough and living strange, and I know you've got a taste for it too.

Well done Jake, on a great first season presenting the BBC's coverage of F1. In all my life I've never witnessed such incredible, and complete coverage of a sport like the way the BBC has done with Formula 1. From the television coverage from first practice to the red button forum over the whole weekend, the endless footage clips and highlights, the brilliant blogs, photos and incites and the personalities that the BBC has delivered: DC, EJ and yourself.

I hope the BBC continue to back this brilliant sport the way it has done this season, because it has made what has been an already incredible season 10 times more enjoyable for it.

Congratulations Jake and the BBC. Roll on 2010, indeed!

All I can say to you Jake and the rest of the BBC team is thank you and well done for all of your coverage. From the free practice sessions on the red button (Thanks Crofty and the 5 Live F1 team), through the qualifying and race coverage, to the red button forum and your blogs Jake. All have raised the bar for quality coverage of F1.
Thanks to all once again and roll on 2010.

The Negatives:
JL - much more suited to radio than TV (even after 17 races)
Presenting in front of the garages - How many times did you try and present with an engine reving in the background? Once - OK, twice - silly, multiple times - the producer should have learnt their lesson!

The Positives
Absolutely everything else! Blogs, Twitter, Red Button, DC, EJ, the access you obtained, the professionalism of your team - everything. To me however the real star was Martin Brundle. Who doesn't he know???? MB is becoming as imporant to current F1 broadcasting as Murray Walker was in his day.

Regardless of what 20.therocklobster says above I think having you as a presenter was the perfect choice as you are a FAN of F1 - like everyone watching - and you asked questions that a FAN wanted answering and you represented us perfectly. By not being a Steve Rider or similar ilk then I personally felt you connected with the viewers from day one - well done.

Thanks BBC - 133 days and counting. Its already in my diary!

Gareth

I've enjoyed the forums most of all. They've been unmissable for their insight, access to key players and questions that make team bosses squirm.
Could you get some people from the new F1 teams involved as soon as possible next season - they're a mystery at the moment.
Fire the numbskull who has decided to move the sports forums to Sky, in favour of two channels showing the same thing on Freeview. Why should we all pay with our licence fees and give up our choice for an HD geeks' channel?

As ever Jake another great blog giving us fans that are not as lucky as you to travel to the Grand Prix good background stuff. Its been a great season, that goes without saying, capped by Jenson being crowned World Champion, but I think its been more than that. Because of the BBC's coverage its brough us fans closer to the great sport we love so much. The red button forum has been inspired coverage by the BBC Team and I think Eddie summed it up this afternoon when he said he hoped it brought the fans closer to the characters in F1. Thanks again for the great coverage, the 2010 season cannot come soon enough.

Jake, you and all of the BBC team have done a fantastic job this year. I can't remember enjoying a F1 season as much as this year. I have loved the banter between EJ and DC and you have done a great job in trying to hold it together (despite EJ's efforts)

The award for "being in the wrong place at the right time" goes to the Schnapps guy. You all deserved that drink.

The award for "the funniest moment" goes to you for driving Jenson round Silverstone. Laugh I almost died! The runner up for this award is Rubens when he let EJ visit him in Portugal.

All that is left to say is Jenson for sports personality of the year, BBC team for whatever awards we can get you into.

I have no idea what I am going to do for 133 days. I have already booked the sofa bed at my friend's place in Abu Dhabi for next year and hopefully I'll be at the British GP at Silverstone (?!) too

Jake, EJ, DC, Mr Brundle and the rest of the BBC team,

Thanks for making every F1 weekend a memorable event - what you have all achieved for F1 broadcasting this year has been truly amazing - I have been watching F1 on the telly for many a year, and I thought I knew fair bit about what went on, but I actually realise I knew very little - for me you have breathed new life into the sport on the telly, and is well worth the licence fee alone. We have had to move our Sunday lunch time to Sunday tea time to accommodate the race and the forum!! Please just keep doing what you have been doing, and be safe in the knowledge that a great deal of people appreciate the job you are doing.

We are proud of you in Norfolk!!! All the best for 2010.

This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

Brilliant season Jake! Great having it 'home'!

Only one thing - F1 tends to 'disappear' between now and March. I'd like myself for the Beeb to cover testing just a little bit more... get my drift? ;)

Jake and all the BBC Team
Thank you for this year's coverage, it was simply superb. Thank you for all hard work and many hours stuck in econmy planes. This year has been such a treat and i feel like i'm much closer to all the people I love to watch every other weekend.

133 Days are far too long away, till the next GP.
Please keep writing your blogs Jake, so we know what is going on with you.
Hope the BBC crew win some sort of award or two for your coverage this year and Jake enjoy your shower (-;


Amanda
x

Jake enjoy the evening, its been a fab season your commentary with the other boys has been superb. The walks of the pit lane, the pink shirts!! green jumper! Great team You will remember this season.

Great blog Jake. Some further suggestions:
- We need winter tests on red button. If tests are good enough for Moto GP then they're good enough for us.
- Is there any chance that you could show a few documentaries over the break. Preferably none that were shown in the build up to the British gp.
- As good as the coverage was, Legard needs to be replaced.
- Last year I loved all the preview videos on the red button, so more of the same please.
- Could Murray Walker make more of an input onto the TV coverage, so you could use some of his online videos for build up to race or qually.
- Could we get 3 pundits per race and have DC and Eddie alongside a guest. For instance, if Michael Schumacher's up for it, then that would be great.
- For the title sequence could we have less animation and more exciting clips like crashes and great overtakes of this year.
- This one's probably too late to arrange, but DC and JB were reffering to the race of champions. This is usually shown online on the official websites, but can you stick it on the red button?
- A few classic gps over the winter wouldn't go amiss.
- Could you do a really cheesy awards ceremony where the BBC F1 team choose their moments of the year. (Similar to the annual F1 Racing man of the year awards). Again, you could stick this onto the Red Button.
- EJ makes me laugh with his, so unnapropriate for tv moments. You could even do a you've been framed / this is your life Eddie Jordan episode of all his funny moments.
- Congrats on the brilliant VTs through the year. Sunil and his team really have done a great job, especially with the final clip on the forum. I'm guessing it wasn't finished in time for the end of the race coverage, but it did nearly bring tears to my eyes watching it.

Thanks for everything BBC, Jake, you've been great and roll on March!

Wow ! what a season, this will stay with me forever, Jenson winnig the world championship for the first time, Brawn coming from nowhere and teams becoming more competitive (unlike the schumacher years) back to back british drivers titles 1st for 40 years, But most of all for me has been the BBC`s coverage, it has been outstanding with the wealth of knowledge of Sir Jackie Stewart on friday practice then DC and EJ over saturday and sunday red button etc....

Jake you and your team deserve a well earned rest, great work and let the count down begin for next season

Jake, fantastic blog and great coverage! all of the BBC team have been great, I especially like Martin Brundle's grid walks and the F1 Forum.
It has been a great season, and thanks for having a great team to televise such great coverage!

Bring on 2010!

P.S. Jenson for Sports Personality of the Year and you guys must surely get a reward for your hard work!

Just watching the forum back. Did someone say happy christmas at the very end?

The coverage has been fantastic. Thursday - archive race highlights. Friday - practise 1 and 2. Saturday - practise and qualifying. Sunday - race... and I catch up on the F1 forum on Monday. So you are giving us five days of enjoyment around each race.

I'm not sure I like the technical advances in F1 - it used to be about drivers and skin of the pants driving, not telemetry and traction control - but I *do* like the technical advances in the ways that coverage is provided.

You have done an absolutely sterling job this year, such a pro. Best blog entry by far was the "talkback" one - more behind the scenes info would be appreciated.

Enjoy the winter but don't leave us bereft of news and info until March please!

#43. Yes Martin did. Classic!!!!

43. Martin definitely wished us merry christmas at the end.

The woman from Sky definitely deserves some kind of award for all the interruptions during the season too!

BBC Coverage has been excellent this year. You and everyone else have done a top job both on the show and the blogs etc. It's had a great relaxed feel to it (Well until EJ launches himself at someone) which I think has made F1 seem a bit more accessible. Hope it continues on to next year!

[ps. Will you have a word with someone about the terrible cutting back of F1 freeview services. It a shame if next year i'll be restricted to watching the F1 Forum online.]

Top blog jake!

Enjoyed your blogs throughout the year, just want to say you've really flown the flag for the BBC coverage this year and have really hit the top level with your presenting.

Long may it continue.

Jake.

I can honestly say I had never heard of you before the f1 season started. However you have became such a part of our lives this year it's like I have known you for ages. You and the team havebeen superb this season. I don't want to talk about the previous f1 providers. But you and the BBC have smashed them out if the court in all areas including yourself.

This season has been fantastic with JB the hero, though I would still like to see more overtaking(doesn't everbody else I guess).

I know in the 606 forums when BBC announced f1 was coming back. And us fans were all having posts with andrew benson. Never did I ever think it would be this good. David and EJ are brilliant the commentary is fab and the forum is one of the best ideas anybody has had for tv coverage. I love it. Thanks for a great season.

superb blog and superb coverage throughout the year, Jake. Every single minute of coverage has been very enjoyable, even the more cringeworthy moments!!

I'd lost my interest in F1 over the past few seasons but this year I have fallen back in love with the sport. absolutely fantastic. roll on March.

Jake, please pass on my thanks and congratulations to the whole team.

Yourself, David, and Eddie Jordan have been fantastic.
Jonathan and Martin have been wonderful.
Ted as good as ever.
Five Live practice team brilliant.
And all those behind the scenes who put it all together.

WOW,

What an amazing F1 season. Have watched all live TV coverage and red button forums and practices. Wished id known about this blog before the season but least i know for next season.

Brilliant work jake think you done a excellent job presenting the shows and hope your back next season. I just wished we could record the practices on sky when i have to work lol.

Anyway have a fab break and good christmas and look forward to the Jenson Button special next weekend.

Roll on 2010!

Hi Jake,

OK, I will admit I was one of the doubters when you were announced as coverage anchor, way back, November 24th last year (yup, nearly exactly 12 months).

I was among those who were thinking you were not up to it, how when you'd been on camera at Beijing you didn't seem comfortable with such a big event at all (and apart from the Olympics, F1 is the biggest event in sport).

I was among those who thought you didn't have the gravitas to be the main presenter of F1.

I was among those that winced when you blogged about how you blagged an Elise when you worked at Rapture (it came across as 'I am a petrolhead, really').

Oh man, how wrong I was!!!

Gravitas? Shmavitas! Who needs to be deadly serious all the time. What I hadn't reckoned on what that the BBC, that bastion of po-facedness, was going to ditch the over serious tone of the presentation, and focus on something else...

... RACING IS FUN.

And Jake, you have made that presentation style work, and work so well that everyone on their sofas back in Blighty have felt more a part of the 'Circus' than I can ever remember.

Thank you Jake, and everyone in the BBC team, roll on 2010!

Just no more pieces to camera in front of the garages when the engines fire up, ok?

Thank you Jake, Martin, DC, EJ and all the BBC team for bring us fantastic coverage of this great F1 season, I really can't wait until March !

Jake - another fantastic blog!
It has been so refreshing having F1 on BBC this year...they have really captured the fans enthusiasm and I personally have learnt so much!
This year brought back the excitement I used to have when I first started watching F1 about 15/16 years ago...I have literally been jumping about the room!
To have someone presenting who seems to have a genuine interest in F1 and have a good rapport with the drivers makes such a difference. The forums have been great too and the blogs...we feel like we are constantly kept in the loop with whats going on.

Roll on 2010!

You guys rocked it!

What can I say? Thanks for a brilliant seasons' coverage of a simply stunning year in F1, you've blown ITV out of the water!
Love the blog, it's great to get a "behind the scenes" view of your jobs.
You guys always seem so relaxed, and we get such good insights into the workings of F1, in what has been a stand-out year. Brilliant!

Hope Jenson can defend his title next year, Can't wait!

Hi Jake. Ignore any criticism, every second and every aspect of the coverage has been incredible.

I can't find fault with anybody or anything associated with the coverage. Please don't change too much, more of the same in 2010 please.

Jake, you came into present F1 just at the right time. This year there was never a dull moment on and off the track. For you to your teeth into.

This has deff will be a season to remebr,and will be for a long time to come. Next year in F1 has to do a lot to even come close. To this year.

You EJ AN DC have made it even more enjoyable, for us veiwers...

Thanks for all the blogs, see you in 2011.. Well actually I will see you on Sunday 13th December at the Sheffield arena...

Fantastic blog Jake as always.

I follow you on twitter and you did very well this year presenting and interacting with drivers, team bosses, and EJ & DC.

As suggested by someone earlier, coverage of testing would be brilliant to see. Even if it was just on the BBC Sport website or on the Red Button, would be great to see the new teams, new drivers and new liveries.

I would like to suggest to the BBC to switch Legard and Crofty around. I don't mind Legard, but I think his commentary is more suited to radio. And I think Crofty is great and ready to make the step up.

But overall the BBC coverage has been fantastic over the season, even making the dull races something to talk about. You have won back a lot of British F1 hearts back into watching racing again. Its about time the BBC got some praise after all the negative stuff you always hear about.

Well done Jake.

Jake are you going to present next seasons F1 coverage?

I've loved the chemistry that you, EJ and DC have built up during the year, it would be a shame too see someone different in your place.

Fantastic blogs all season long. I loved your Monaco one the best and all those piccies and video's you posted.

But one question:

Which Driver has been your favourite to meet this season?

Fantastic blog which surmises how fantastic the coverage of this season has been with the BBC.

Previous years coverage have felt hollow compared to the genuine enthusiasm from Jake, DC and EJ. Martin Brundle's grid walks are fantastic and are what help makes the coverage a whole heap better than the rest of the worldwide TV coverage.

Great work and nearly worth the license fee alone!

No mention of being nearly run over though Jake!

Wow wow wow! That is all i can say after an amazing year of f1 coverage from all at the bbc!
As a relatively new fan this was my second full season of watching all the GPs and i now fully understand all to do with the sport due to you!

It is brilliant that we can see P1 2 and 3 on the red button along with re runs of old gps and the re euns of qualy and the race. The forum is amazing! it makes you feel as if you are there in the paddock feeling the joy of the winning team.

The overall bbc package has been truly awesome this year and i simply cannot aiwt until bahrain next year. I think the review show on saturay will be sitting on my sky+ for a while so i can watch you and the team and the team again and again!

Thanks for everything!
Now for bahrain!

Jake,
Your blog has been one of my favourite parts of the website this season - it has just been a brilliant read. From your insider view of the coverage to your choices in shirt colours we've been there with you.
Despite ITV's great coverage for 12 years, I haven't enjoyed an F1 season so much since 1996 when Damon won the championship. Well done to all the BBC F1 team for a superb year - and here's to 2010. Can't wait...
Martin

I'm gonna sound like a broken record here Jake, but this season's BBC coverage has been top-notch. The Lewis-obsessed days of ITV are far behind us and you in particular have impressed me. I was skeptical before the season about how good a presenter you would be, but now at the end of the season I have well and truly eaten my humble pie.

Here's to next year, and I await to see how much better the BBC coverage gets!

Jake you have been an absolute legend this year!
Will really miss your blogs over the winter. I'm already counting down the days until the season starts.
Hopefully see you in silverstone next year.

What a team at BBC, your hope of producing a show that equalled the ITV coverage was exceeded 100 fold. Amazing coverage and amazing commentary, DC and EJ are hilarious and give such added value. Jake cool man what a great year one of the best since Murray and Martin's years, well done matey, can't wait until next March role on JB's defence.

Jake - your timing, quality and depth of comment have been a breath of fresh air. I am an avid motor racing fan (many disciplines as well as F1) and have been for many decades. You are in a different class to most motor racing anchor men. Thank you for all the pleasure you bring. Can't wait for next season.

I just had to comment on this, the last blog of the season.

I watched the earlier races of the season more than the earlier ones, but the vibe of your coverage throughout has been excellent. I think it's the personableness of it that really makes it stand out over perhaps the ITV era which just seemed a little more cold and calculating somehow. It feels like there's more 'colour' to your coverage whatever that really means, it's just the impression that's left in my mind.

And this blog has been truly excellent. You have been amazingly open with us about your own life and what goes on behind the scenes and there have been some great anecdotes you've told as well. It's always been a great and entertaining read. And if I can be frank I wondered quite how capable you would be for the really high-profile jobs in BBC sport presenting having seen you do smaller things here and there. Well your apprenticeship clearly paid off - I really feel like you delivered and have created a great atmosphere for bringing the viewers into the world of F1 while being professional at all times as well. Well done, Jake.

You and your co stars as i call them have been fantastic. I have been watching F1 now for 11 years and this year has been the best (in my opinion) commentary and in general best for us at home to watch you have made us feel a part of what is going on.I am going to be lost without you all at the weekends. I just hope you are all back next year. Please bbc do not change 1 single thing to the show, its been the best. THANKYOU.

BMW Sauber have had two podiums this year. Heidfeld at Malaysia. Topping off a loose fact year by the BBC there Jake but great coverage nd send us off like ITV did.

WHERE WAS THE FORUM

Jake, you and the guys did a great job this year, thank you.

This blog post is indeed a fitting end to a great F1 year! Outside it`s windy, wet and dark and that means a long wait until March! I feel quite sad actually! Anyway, many thanks Jake and all the production team. Can`t wait to meet up next year. See you later!

Jake your living the dream, I have really enjoyed following your blogs as your enthusiasm has brought another dimension to the show... I will admit that when I heard you were doing the coverage my 1st question was who... A quick google and I saw you had presented the olympics and my heart sank.... However when oz came around it quickly became clear that you are a fan of the sport and just 'lucked' into the best job in the world.

I hope you can look back on your racing and smile... and maybe have another go for next season (yes I am being cruel for wanting you to earn your stripes).

My only complaint is that I couldn't watch the Red Button on freeview after the show but I am hoping it will appear here soon :) Oh and it being 137 days to long till Bahrain!

Keep the blogs coming over the winter if you can :)

Thanks to everyone at the BBC for excellent coverage all year.

Jake - before the season I was thinking "Who's this Jake Humphrey?" Now I know - he's the best F1 front man we've ever had!

In your blog you wondered how BBC can raise the bar for 2010:

BBC has exceeded expectations in many ways - just a couple of things though:
Ist: Re-instate the Press Red option on Freeview.
2nd: Show the post quali interviews on the Red Button when BBC1 coverage doesn't allow.
3. If Bernie's idea of post race testing on Mon/Tues/Weds after a race comes off - that's one for the REINSTATED Red Button - even if it's just a highlights loop.
(I suggested that many months ago in these forums and many others will have thought of it too, Bernie...)
4. HD please on Freeview. Come on Bernie!

Have your say on the BBC's Red Button Consultation here:
https://consultations.external.bbc.c...n/consult_view

And complain to them about it's withdrawal here:
https://bbc.kongjiang.org/www.bbc.co.uk/complaints/forms/

Thanks again to the whole BBC Team.

F1 Doppelganger

Congratulations to the BBC for an excellent season of F1 coverage.

Jake, DC and EJ make for an engaging, informative and amusing presenting team, the commentary is top notch, great website and great red button forum.

Altogether a great sports package.

Keep it up and can't wait for next season.

Just to say Jake, and the rest of the team, what a cracking job you have done this season. The chance to watch the weekends events without adverts! The coverage has been first class I cant think of one thing I would change. The red button forum is great to watch and your blogs are also top.
Hats off guys cu in 132 days!!

Hey Jake, I don't normally watch F1 but the coverage you and the team have provided this year has really got me into it.

The whole show is great and it is just the complete package.

As an aspiring sports journalist I hope to be in your shoes one day working on a great show providing fantastic coverage.

All the Best

Fantastic coverage this year guys lots of insight as well as glamour. Can't wait for next year. Silverstone was a birthday treat this year and now I just have to go to all the other circuits! Well done.

As always, the coverage this weekend has been simply awe-inspiring. There have been points where I've lost the power of speech due to some event or other, but it's always left me with a massive grin on my face. Welcome back to Formula One, BBC. You've done it proud.

As I've said before, the best thing about the BBC coverage this year has been the feeling of inclusion throughout the race weekends. You just don't get that feeling in a studio, and to be able to have someone like EJ who everyone knows in the paddock is fantastic. It's brilliant to see a team that aren't just there for the pay, but are genuinely excited to be there. I remember Jake's exuberance at Monaco weekend, as if he couldn't quite believe he was there...all in all it's been absolutely wonderful. See you all in 5 months!

Another great blog Jake.

I have thoroughly enjoyed your coverage this season. At the start of the year I didn't know who you were and wasn't sure if you'd be up to the pressure and chaos of live F1 coverage. Jake, you have been absolutely brilliant. You have an ability to present F1 from the point of view of a fan and it is clear that you love F1 as much as a lot of the viewers or those sitting in the stands. With EJ and DC alongside you providing an experts view, the BBC has found the perfect team.

I have followed F1 since 1985 and Jenson Button has been my favourite driver since he first started at Williams, I have supported him from day one and never stopped believing (often to much ridicule from my friends) that he would one day become World Champion.

The Moment when you interviewed Jenson after the Brazilian Grand Prix is now my all time favourite F1 moment, you managed to capture the sheer joy of Jenson Button finally being crowned World Champion superbly.

This season has been excellent. Formula one needed a good shake up and 2009 has achieved that. I hope that next year will be just as exciting with a close battle between Button, Hamilton, Alonso, Massa and Vettel.

Jake, the BBC have showed that they will never go back to the dark days of F1.
ITV set the bar and you and the guys have raised the bar in terms of the TV Coverage which I have to say has improved by 100% more then it was on ITV.
Also the 5 Live team of Holly, Anthony and David have been brilliant and some odd contribution by Maurice Hamilton as been good and added well to the TV Coverage.

My moments of the 2009 Season on the BBC :

Beardy Richard Branson swearing Live on TV after Brawn's 1-2 in Australia.

Yourself, DC and EJ during the rain interruptions in Malaysia and Brazil..dont think ITV would have done what you did which was stick with the camera shots and talk about anything for over an hour in both of the mentioned events, ITV whould have shown adverts or even switched to 'pets do the funniest things' until some major news was announced.

Button running down the main Straight in Monaco after accidentely parking in parc ferme instead of outside the podium.

Yourself Jake, being nearly mowed down in Turkey when you walked out into oncoming traffic...what would have Harriet had been like if you had been hit? Maybe you should read the green cross code again and then EJ brushing with death in Brazil and Martin Brundle's jump from being hit in Abu Dhabi, does the BBC have insurance if someone would have happened?

EJ's change over the season , in China a whole load of people on 606 asked for Mike Gasgoyne to replace EJ and I feel that he might have read those comments and changed a lot since that race.

The coverage of the British GP, absoutely fantasic, it put ITV's coverage to shame.

Martin Brundle and Sky Germany's run-ins.

Yourself, DC and EJ when Felipe had that nasty crash in Hungary, EJ did make a bit of a silly and awkward comment but all 3 of you did the best you could.

All 3 of you in the Brawn Garage after Button's Championship win.
When ITV covered Lewis championship win and Buttons 1'st F1 Win, they were slighty muted on Steve Rider and Mark Blundell's behalf but you guys showed how to have fun and to be in the right place at the right time.

This has been the best season on the track and also off the track and the BBC's coverage has been the best, so much better then ITV was.
Jake, whoever made you the F1 Presenter should be thanked many times over, you have showed that you love the Sport and brought us closer to the coverage then we was with Jim Rosenthal and Steve Rider, even your blog with the 'beind the scences' coverage has been brilliant and the other members of the team with their Blogs or columns offering their insight into the events of the season or race.

DC and EJ have brought us closer with DC's insights as the recent retired driver and EJ as the former team principal who went through everything as Jordan Team Owner, more then what Mark Blundell offered last season and other seasons on ITV.

Lee McKenzie and Ted Kravitz have done their best as well, maybe Lee should have had a bigger role but picking Ted from ITV was a good decision.
Maryin Brundle was on form as well with his witty comments and also his pitalne walk and as Ive said, his classic run ins with Sky Germany and also the shared pit walks with EJ, DC and yourself Jake were classic, they should stay for 2010.
I move onto Jonathan Legard, like some people, he isnt the commentator for F1 that many people were hoping, he is more of a Football commentator which he was from 2004 when dropped from 5 Live's F1 Coverage for David Croft and I like some people on 606 that he should be replaced, maybe with James Allen who worked well with Martin Brundle on ITV.

I cant wait for the next season, 133 days away and its my Birthday as well :D
Watching F1 on my Birthday day :D, but I await the release of the 2009 F1 Game first...which will be the perfect thing for my F1 Withdrawal..which I always suffer every time the season ends

But now Jake, I hope you and the guys bring us a great 2009 Season Review next Saturday, have a good Holiday with family and friends and be back refreshed on the 13th March in Bahrain :D...cannot wait!

BBC F1 2009 team = Legends all :-)

thank you BBC!! I look forward to seeing you all again in march 2010!

K

Jake, firstly, thanks for reading and replying to you blog comments. Thanks for interesting blogs, and generally for how well you have done on-screen. I can't imagine F1 without you, DC and EJ now.
I have not been enthused by F1 in recent years, but I watch week one and haven't turned off since.
I hope you will pass bits from our end of season reports back to those in charge. We all want to make BBC F1 in 2010 better than 2009 (although that will be hard).
F1 Forum: Fantastic. Actually, there was one race where I was overseas a lot, and the only thing I watched was the forum (not the race highlights programme). Go figure.
Ant and Crofty: I was an Ant and Crofty man, and I hate to think of Ant getting a drive and not being able to talk to us. He said in the commentary he wasn't very good at it. Hogwash. Might I suggest in my opinion he is a better analyst than the great Brundle. If he does get a drive, this household will miss him. Has anyone thought to lock him in the basement of Television Centre until it is too late to get a drive?
Practise: I found the commentaries for these sessions to be the most interesting, in terms of facts you can learn, gossip etc.
Ted: Phenomenal talent. Woefully underused, except from Practise 1. What's that all about?
Lee: Gorgeous. Even more woefully underused. She does what she does very well, and obviously has a good rapport with the drivers. (Congrats to her for winning the "Sweetest Journalist of the Year" in the Ferrari Awards) However, she looks fantastic, has forgotten more about motorsport than I will ever know, and yet, all she does is post-race interviews and the odd voiceover. Please, use the girl more.
Also, someone offered to carry your bags in post #14. I'm officially offering to carry Lee's. ;-) Ahem.
Tanya from Sky Germany: We need to see more of her too. Her run-ins with Martin were too funny!!
Brawn Garage in Brazil: One of the best pieces of live telly you will ever see. Moment of the year.
I would like to put a suggestion in for running some F1 related programming during pre-season. Car launches, testing, news. Lots of pre-season news this year, with new teams, the driver combos still nowhere near complete. Maybe the odd edition of Inside F1 on News 24. I would love to see some full length races from history if any were available as well. I have loved seeing Senna, Prost and Mansell in the highlights during the year.
Here's to a good 2009, and a better 2010!!!

Thank You Jake for bringing the whole circus home to us. Thanks go out to everyone else as well. Please keep blogging over the winter....feeling lost already! Really great coverage, I always felt part of it instead of just a bystander. H

TOP DRAW Jake, excellent work from the off.
F1 on BBC has got it right, but there is always room for improvement, lets see the race on the BBC HD channel, now that would be a step up for F1 and the BBC.

Maybe Silverstone could offer this to Bernie so we can keep the British GP.

I would Love to see Martins suggestion of a programme on the analysis of overtaking this season, maybe even a leader board of overtakes throughout the season for 2010.

The RED BUTTON RULES, just like Jenson. Enjoy the winter.

Brilliant brilliant stuff all year Jake. The guys back at the BBC factory have done a Fantastic Job For Sure. Whatever nerves you've had, you shouldn't worry about - your presentation has been relaxed, professional, well prepared and absolutely top-drawer. All in all the BBC team have made this a season to really enjoy watching, not just following. Kudos go out to Crofty and Ant in the 5 Live box, the best commentary duo since Murray and Hunt, they're hilarious by times. Ant will probably be leaving next year but maybe that frees Crofty up for all the non-red button viewers to enjoy as well.......

Well done Jake and team, you have made me a complete convert. From your chats with Moyles in the morning, your twitter page to the red button, I have been looking forward to race weekends throughout the season. I have really enjoyed watching a season where new teams and names have emerged. Fantastic work...roll on next season!!!

Really loved your blogs this year Jake! You and all the team have done a fantastic job all round!

Can't believe the 2009 F1 season is over all ready. Out of it we have a well deserved world champion winning the first 6 out of 7 races is a fantastic achievement, what a last few laps in abu dhabi,Jenson Button deserves the crown and deserves to be sports personality of the year aswell go Jenson! looking forward to next march a new season!!

The coverage has been fantastic all season, but the post race forums are probably the greatest improvement. Jake you have really managed to more than hold your own with EJ and DC - two guys who've lived F1 for years - I and many others would love your job but I for one know I couldn't do it so well!- Well doneand keep it up - please!
Also I love all the old races on the net prior to each GP, but can we please have more stuff on the iplayer?
Also - one criticism - the F1 news and gossip on the BBC F1 website is hopelessly behind other web-sites. Could it be more like the BBC football Gossip online site?
Jenson thoroughly deserved it-maxed every opportunity, very few mistakes, and more worthy than Keke Rosberg, Scheckter, Piquet and event Hunt - as good as they all were!

Fantastic work all year guys, really going to miss it all. Dark nights wind and rain and no F1! Boo.

Would be nice to hear from James Allen, his F1 blog is excellent and a must read in conjunction with the BBC F1 site.

Would also like to hear from Ted a little more, I see from the comments that his blogs are very well received.

Thought the race today was a little lukewarm, shame Lewis had his issue with the brakes....

Thanks again.

Supeb job all year Jake and the rest of the team! Am looking forward to more of your blog entries! :)

Nice driving btw in the pre-qual/race bits. Really thought you did a good job despite your nerves! Hope you get to try some more motor racing!

Cheers Beeb, it really has been great having you back. Dont you dare go away again!

Can't add to the above comments, just got to echo their compliments!

My own alternative prize: Pitlane Daredevil award:
A close run contest, with Jake putting in a good effort infront of a Toyota Turkey, before Eddie put in a similarly good effort in Brazil with a Renault. But after another close call today, EJ just takes it I'm afraid. At least Abu Dhabi decided 1 title!

Hi Jake,

A big thumbs up to the BBC team from me, you really went from strength to strength over the course of the season and I hope we see the same line-up next year. Excellent job one and all.

Can I just say that Jake, initally, you were not my bag. But like a good host, you completely won me over and made a fasciniating sport all the more engaging with honesty and genuine respect to those who deserved it. Kudos, also, for when Jenson won the World Championship and you pushed the cameras from other stations out of the way of the BBC cameras. JH,DC and EJ, we salute you.......

Again, can only echo the sentiments of people left above. Just registered on the last day of the day of the season (useful eh!) but have been following all season. Thanks once again to everyone involved, yourself, EJ (has he ever considered stand up as a career!?), MB, DC for the outstanding coverage, blew ITV's coverage out of the water in my opinion.

But if I can nominate a best put down of the season...when you guys were talking about Kovalainen dealing with the pressure that McLaren were putting on him. MB said that McLaren was the best team he had ever worked with in terms of being like a family. EJ asked MB about Jordan to which MB replied "Yeah, but when I worked for Jordan you were sacking people left right and centre, hardly a great working environment." Thought it was brilliant, thanks! (Sorry EJ!)

Anyway, thanks for everything once again, Forza 2010!

I loved the coverage this year - and your blog Jake! The red button coverage was great too. Can I ask just one thing, can the Monaco boys be a bit less partisan to their man Jenson next year? We get it, David's his drinking buddy and I'm not sure Martin has forgiven Lewis for Australia. My hubby's a massive Coultard fan and he switched off the TV in the middle of the Brazilian qualifying when DC once more tried to justify Button winning the championship by saying he'd 'won' more races than Hamilton last year (Spa was taken away by the stewards). This years drivers championship wasn't a classic, nor was it the nailbiter of the last few seasons. It had other things going for it - especially the fairytale triumph of the Brawn's. But next year, I'm looking forward to seeing Kimi(fingers crossed!), Alonso and Hamilton all competitive alongside Vettel and Massa so that we can see Button really fight for it.

Thanks Jake, Eddie and DC for fantastic coverage this season. (And yes, ITV did a good job but I am glad we don't miss anything through the ad breaks)

There's been good bits - Brawn rising like the phoenix from Honda's ashes, bad bits - Massa's accident, scary to watch and glad he's going to be back in the car next year. All covered so well, and generally without bias.

I can't believe we have to wait 19 weeks - what are we going to do on wet and dark Sunday afternoons? Although my girls and husband are hugely pleased that I won't be arranging our weekends around when the GP in on...

Look forward to next years coverage, blogs, and hopefully a British champion again.