Familiar faces.

When it was announced months ago that for the 2012 season onwards was no longer going to be solely on the BBC and that they'd only be showing 10 races live, the news of Formula 1 shift to Sky Sports was sketchy, fans were unaware of what this Sky deal consisted of and in recent months, slowly but surely the pieces are being put together and we now have a clearer understanding of what awaits us next year. 

At first, i was sceptical, but now i feel more positive that Sky will up BBC's game and put everything in to bringing us closer to the Grand Prix weekend. 
The only downside is that people who can't afford or don't want Sky Sports or the HD package that they will be unable to watch every race live, instead will be watching it delayed on the BBC with limited coverage - a bit like taking a step back when we should all be taking a step forward. 
If you do have Sky Sports, then the channel will be included, the same goes if you are a Sky HD subscriber.

So, after the brilliant 'banter' at the Autosport Awards between the BBC and Sky, Sky announced their official team line up and well it looks very familiar...

Say hello to Sky Sports F1's familiar faces...

(From left-right) Anthony Davidson, David Croft, Nathalie Pinkham, Martin Brundle, Simon Lazenby, Georgie Thompson and Ted Kravitz.

Yep, that right, it's the BBC team, apart from Jake Humphrey, David Coulthard and Eddie Jordan. 

For the Commentary throughout every Grand Prix weekend Martin Brundle, like this year for the BBC, will lead Sky's comms during qualifying and the race along with co-commentator David Croft. Joining Crofty for practise sessions is ex-Formula 1 driver Anthony Davidson. Ant and Crofty, who have commentated for the past three years together for BBC 5live are joining forces again to bring us top notch commentating (nice to see you both sticking together.)
Down in the pitlane is Nathalie Pinkham and Ted kravitz who will continue to get the inside knowledge of what's going on during all the sessions.
Ted Kravitz will also present a Tv magazine show on Sky F1 with Steve Rider.
The main presenter will be Sky Sports own, Georgie Thompson and Simon Lazemby. 

It has to be said, well done Sky for giving us a near perfect line up of presenters and commentators! 

So with Sky feeling like a home from home, next year doesn't look too bad after all, i just hope this positive hype of making it bigger and better get's put into practise.

What are your thoughts? Do you like the line up? Will you be watching Sky if you can? Or sticking to BBC?