Two Formula One pundits film for Channel 4 in pub near Bicester

Former F1 driver David Coulthard and British F4 racer Billy Monger were seen filming inside the Butchers Arms in Fringford, near Bicester, on Monday morning.

It is understood the pair were filming a segment for Channel 4’s coverage of the British Grand Prix. The first race is taking place this Sunday (July 3).

The production team wanted a ‘country pub’ with lots of the regulars sitting in the background enjoying the morning. They started filming at 6.45am and after a change of plan stayed longer than expected and left at 11am.

Bosses at The Butchers Arms were offered money for the shoot but they’re such huge fans of the show they did it for free.

John Dobbins, said: “I received a call from Channel 4’s production team about a week before they wanted to come and film.

“They said they were looking for an authentic country pub to film in, and so I said they could come here.

“After that they came and had a meeting with us, went through some legal disclaimers and told us that our regulars could participate as extras, as long as they turned up before 8:30am.

“Myself and the licensee of the pub, Simon Toop, were so excited. Simon is a huge Formula One fan.”

The original plan for the segment was a comedy skit outside, where Mr Dobbins would carry a tray of beer to a nearby table where Mr Monger sat, only for it to be knocked out of his hands by a passing supercar driven by Mr Coulthard.

However, it rained on the day and plans had to change.

Instead, the crew filed a scene where Mr Monger sat drinking a glass of orange juice at the table inside and Mr Coulthard screamed up in the supercar outside, resulting in the orange juice being spilt as it was about to be sipped.

Mr Dobbins said: “Despite having to shoot two more locations that day, and being on a tight schedule, David and Billy were amazing.

“They had photos taken and did selfies with our regulars, and I had a good chat with David about who he thinks will win the British Grand Prix.

“The team were very professional, very nice to us. They offered to pay us to do the shoot, but we were just happy to have the publicity.”

Mr Coulthard competed in 15 seasons of Formula One between 1994 and 2008, taking 13 Grand Prix victories and 62 podium finishes.

Mr Monger had great success racing in British F4 in 2016 and 2017, however was severely injured in a collision at Donington Park which led to both of his legs being amputated.

Mr Monger is now a commentator and pundit.   

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1

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