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Eddie Jordan blasted BBC bosses for ditching F1.

The Grand Prix team boss, turned corporation pundit, said the timing was “insensitive and gut-wrenching” for the 60-man team.

“Obviously it was a huge shock even though it had been talked about,” he said.

“It is utterly devastating. The week of Christmas is not the time to hear this, compounded by the fact that it’s not long since a lot of the team had left London and relocated in Salford at the whim of the BBC.

“People have moved families to new houses and children to new schools and were just about getting settled in Salford and then they get this bomb-shell.”

(Image: Peter J Fox/BBC)

Several sources told Mirror Sport that two months ago staff were assured F1 would continue in 2016.

“The people I have spoken to find it really gut-wrenching,” added Jordan. “They feel senior management have not really batted on their behalf.”

“I really feel for them. Having said that the BBC has given me an amazing seven years and I’ve got the TV bug.

“While I’m in the twilight of my career I wouldn’t rule out anything for the future if it gives me a buzz.

“I’ve always spoken as I see things when I worked for the BBC so it’s only fair I do the same when I’m talking about the BBC.”

(Image: Clive Mason/Getty)

BBC Sport boss Barbara Slater announced she was making “tough and unwanted choices” but a “significant chunk” of the £35m hole in their budget had been found with the F1 split.

But reeling staff yesterday questioned the simple maths of the move.

The BBC is understood to have paid compensation to F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone to get out of their contract three years early.

And that sum, running to many millions, could have financed a dignified exit season for the Corporation and saved staff the seasonal agony.

Instead the contract has been taken over by Channel 4 who have announced they will broadcast 10 races live, advertising free, and highlight packages for the remaining 11 rounds.

Channel 4 sources said despite several clashes in scheduling with their prolific horse racing coverage, including the June Cup and British Grand Prix, they would ensure the two sports complemented one another.

Ex-F1 winner turned commentator David Coulthard is hotly tipped to lead the Channel 4 team while co-presenter Lee McKenzie, yesterday fronting the Olympia Horse Show, is coveted by Channel 4 and the BBC.