Pinkham (centre) joins Davidson and Croft on the 5 live team

David Croft and Anthony Davidson will continue as BBC Radio 5 live Formula 1 commentators in 2010 and be joined by new pit-lane reporter Natalie Pinkham.

Croft enters his sixth season as 5 live F1 commentator, with former F1 driver Davidson joining him as analyst for the third consecutive year.

Pinkham, 31, has wide experience in sports presenting, including the Isle of Man TT, Masters tennis and NFL.

"I love all sports - and I am a massive fan of 5 live," said Pinkham.

"I can't wait to get fully involved and immersed in the F1 season and am hugely looking forward to getting face-to-face with the teams - and making my mark with them. I am ready to go."

Pinkham replaces Holly Samos, who left F1 to spend more time with her family.

JAKE HUMPHREY BLOG Finally, we are delighted to bring you F1 in high definition, which I think will make the sport even more dramatic and addictive than ever



5 live and digital station BBC 5 live sports extra will have live commentary of the whole season, including practice, qualifying and the races.

As in 2009 and 2010, the 5 live commentary will be used in the live video coverage of practice on the BBC red button and Sport website.

The news follows a string of announcements about the BBC's F1 plans this week.

On Tuesday, it was revealed that Martin Brundle is to become the main commentator with David Coulthard joining him as co-commentator.

And on Wednesday, the BBC announced that it would be covering the F1 season in high definition for the first time, and that Eddie Jordan would become main analyst.