James Allen

• Photo

Topics:

• Sport
• TV/Radio Presenter

As Formula 1 reaches mass audiences around the world, James Allen's profile has steadily increased, resulting in demand for his services as a host and speaker at corporate events.

Motorsport

James Allen’s interest in motorsport came from his father Bill, a professional racer in the 1960’s.  Although James raced motorcycles and karts for pleasure, he chose a career behind the microphone rather than behind the wheel.  His sharp and informative commentary from the pit lane has been one of the most popular elements of ITV Sports multi award winning Formula 1 coverage.  Groomed by ITV as the successor to Murray Walker, he took over the lead role in 2001 and has contributed greatly to ITV’s enhanced coverage of the increasingly popular Formula 1 series.

Broadcasting & Writing Career

1992               News Editor of Autosport Magazine

1992-1996       Formula 1 and IndyCar commentator for ESPN (USA)

1993               News Editor Autosport Magazine

1994               Presented ITV’s Nigel Mansell’s IndyCar ‘94

1994               Wrote Nigel Mansell’s autobiography, the best selling motorsport
                      hardback (+ 140,000 copies) spending 25 weeks on Sunday Times
                      bestsellers list

1996               Writer and researcher on official Damon Hill film “My Fight For
                      Victory” a best selling Warner Bros video

1997-2000       ITV Formula 1 pit lane reporter

1997-Present   Presenter of “Pulling Power” Carlton/Central TV weekly motor
                      programme

1999               Transworld published James’s second book “Michael Schumacher - 
                      Driven To Extremes” which has sold over 30,000 copies.

2000               Deputised for Murray Waller at French Grand Prix

2001-2008       Principal commentator for ITV’s Formula 1 coverage

James writes for the Financial Times newspaper on Formula 1 and is a columnist for leading motorsport magazine “F1 Racing”

Awards

Twice nominated for Royal Television Society awards (1994 and 1997). Along with former co-commentator Martin Brundle, James picked up the Autosport award for best moment of the year which recognised the pair's commentary in the closing moments of the 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix. 

Education

Honours degree in English and Modern Languages, Oxford University (1989)

For further information or to book James Allen, call us on +44 (0) 20 8365 3200 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk