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Formula One driver Anthony Davidson joins Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 5 Live's Formula One commentary team for the 2009 season, providing the inside track from a driver's perspective.

The season opens with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on Sunday 29 March.

The 5 Live commentary team is led by David Croft alongside Anthony and pit lane reporter Holly Samos.

Anthony began kart racing in 1987 aged eight, going on to win two British MSA Championships. Anthony's Formula One debut came in 2001 as a test driver for BAR Honda, the start of a long career as a test and reserve driver for the team.

In 2002 he completed two Formula One races for Minardi and he drove for Honda in the 2005 Malaysian Grand Prix. In late 2006 Anthony signed as a race driver for the Super Aguri team, competing in the 2007 and 2008 championships.

Anthony was a guest commentator on 5 Live for the British and European Grands Prix last season.

Anthony says: "Over the last few years as a Formula One driver I've enjoyed being a guest commentator with Radio 5 Live, and I'm looking forward to joining the team for the full season this year as a regular in the commentary box.

"Commentating gives me the chance to explain what it feels like to drive an F1 car to the limit, and to share the inside view on all of the demands that a driver faces over the weekend."

Radio 5 Live and Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ 5 Live Sports Extra will have full live coverage of race days, as well as the practice sessions and qualifying rounds, throughout the 2009 Formula One season.

Full details of 5 Live's Formula One programmes will be announced shortly.

Radio 5 Live's Formula One coverage is produced by USP Content.

You can listen to 5 Live and 5 Live Sports Extra via DAB digital radio, Digital TV and online at bbc.co.uk/5live.

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