James studied English and Modern Languages at Lady Margaret Hall, in North Oxford. At the 2007 Australian F1 GP, he revealed he is fluent in Italian, which helps during interviews at Ferrari, as he finds he gets more out of the crew in the garage by speaking in their native tongue. [edit]
James' book on the 1998 season of 7-time World Champion, Michael Schumacher, was released under two names: Michael Schumacher - Driven to Extremes and Michael Schumacher - Quest for Redemption. The book was a best seller, selling over 30,000 copies. [edit]
James’ father, Bill, was a racing car driver in the 1960s, driving for the Lotus team in sports car events such as the Le Mans 24 Hrs. [edit]
At the 2000 French Grand Prix, the usual ITV commentator, Murray Walker, was unable to commentate. This provided Mark with his first chance to show off his commentating skills. During 2001, Murray Walker, did not attend the fly-away Grands Prix (races outside of Europe). James filled in, commentating alongside former F1 driver, Martin Brundle. Following Murray's retirement from commentating, James was offered the full-time position on ITV, and has commentated every race since the 2001 United States Grand Prix. [edit]
In 1994 ITV employed James to report on Formula One racing. In 1997, his duties increased and he became a pit lane reporter for them. [edit]
In 1993 ESPN offered James a job as a pit lane reporter for both Indy Car and Formula One series. [edit]
James was news editor, reporting for Autosport magazine for 1992-1993. [edit]
James was the press officer for the Brabham Formula One team for two years - 1990 and 1991. [edit]
James attended the Merchant Taylors' School for Boys, Crosby in Great Crosby on Merseyside. [edit]
James is married to wife, Pip. They live in West London with one son, Enzo. Enzo is named after Enzo Ferrari, the great Ferrari founder. [edit]
James: (on Lewis Hamilton's father, Anthony) It must be very hard for him to understand how his son, whom he knows so well and whom he has watched growing up, can come in to the highest echelon of the sport, fit in straight away, challenge the reigning world champion in both qualifying and the race, lead the race and then talk eloquently in the press conference like someone who has been in F1 for ten years. [edit]
James: (on Robert Kubica's first GP in 2006)Robert Kubica did a great job in the BMW Sauber and is undoubtedly one of the most exciting new talents in F1. The Pole will win races and maybe even championships in the future. He looks like he could be Alonso-good. [edit]
