BBC announces 2011 MotoGP team

The BBC has announced Matt Roberts will replace Jennie Gow as the lead presenter of the 2011 MotoGP television coverage.

MCN revealed last week Gow wasn’t being taken on for another season despite an improving performance throughout the year as her knowledge of bike racing improved.

Roberts has been a key member of the BBC team since 2006 and will start his new role at the first race of 2011 in Losail, Qatar on March 20. Charlie Cox and Steve Parrish are in the commentary box with new recruit Azi Farni joining the team as a pit-lane reporter.

Roberts said: “This is a sport I am very passionate about and the opportunity to share it with the TV audience is a very exciting prospect. I’m really looking forward to working with Azi.”

Farni has worked in motorsport since 2007 starting with the World Rally Championship, before joining MotoGP in 2009.

Azi Farni says ”I’m really looking forward to joining the BBC team. I can’t wait for it all to start in March!”

The 2011 MotoGP will be shown live on BBC Two. European rounds will have an extended 30 minute build-up on BBC Two plus a 30 minute MotoGP Extra on the red button after the race.

Live qualifying coverage of the 2011 MotoGP season, including the 125cc and Moto2 races, will be available to view on the BBC red button and BBC online bbc.co.uk/motogp.

Live MotoGP races will be available to watch on bbc.co.uk/iplayer for seven days after each race.