CRAILL GETS BIG AGP BREAK

Another local rookie will be graduating to Formula One at Albert Park while Oscar Piastri waits for his grand prix call-up with Alpine.

This one is Richard Craill and, although he will not be racing, his new role at the AGP is the culmination of a personal Formula One dream.

Craill will be sharing the commentary box with Mark Webber and veteran F1 journalist Tom Clarkson as the play-by-play caller for Network 10 on the station’s broadcast from Albert Park.

The Adelaide boy tells Auto Action it’s everything he wants in Formula One, after working his way up through the ranks with all sorts of television work including Supercars commentary alongside Chad Neylon.

“It’s pretty cool. No, actually, it’s really exciting. Pretty good,” Craill enthuses.

“I’ve been a massive F1 fan boy since day dot. I loved Formula One before I loved touring car racing. And I’m a massive open-wheeler fan.”

Craill has been a trackside and television broadcaster for more than a decade, but was still surprised to get his call-up from Ten.

“I’m very thankful for the opportunity. I’ve worked for Channel 10 at the grand prix since 2012. But this is different.

“I’m doing it because they don’t have a world feed. And I’m thankful that I was able to make it work.

“I was down to commentate Carrera Cup for another season and they’ve been outstanding in letting me follow my dream. They’ve got Steven Richards to take my place, and it’s not every day you can say your fill-in is a four-time Bathurst winner,” he jokes.

But commentary is no joke for Craill, whose voice is far more familiar to motorsport fans than his face.

“I first called go-kart races here in Adelaide in 2001. It was dirt karts and I got paid $20 – with free rein of the canteen.”

He’s been flat-out to prepare for the AGP and clearly excited.

“I’m doing my homework, obviously. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’ve ever be given a shot to call a grand prix for TV.

“I first worked with 10 at the AGP, calling the supports in 2012, and we had a sensational stint there. Very fortunate to be back a decade later and this time calling the big race itself.”

“Surreal, exciting week ahead.”

For more of the latest motorsport news pick up the current issue of Auto Action.