Peter WalshThe new face of Formula One on the BBC has taken a break from preparations for tomorrow'sTurkish grand prix to pledge his support to Norwich's City of Culture bid - and put it in pole position in the race for the 2013 crown.Support Norwich on FacebookOfficial Norwich 2013 bid websitePeter Walsh

The new face of Formula One on the BBC has taken a break from preparations for tomorrow'sTurkish grand prix to pledge his support to Norwich's City of Culture bid - and put it in pole position in the race for the 2013 crown.

Jake Humphrey, who became the anchor for the BBC's grand prix coverage last year, said he is 'delighted' that Norwich is in the running for the title and hopes it succeeds in being named City of Culture.

Speaking from Istanbul Park, where tomorrow's race will take place from, Mr Humphrey, a former Hewett school pupil had this message of support for the city.

He said: 'I'm incredibly proud of Norwich and I think it's important that rural cities like ours don't get overlooked for these kind of accolades.

'We may not be as big as some of the others in the running but it's quality not quantity that counts, and Norwich and the people who call it home would be fantastic ambassadors for the city, the county and indeed the country.

'One look at Wes Hoolahan at Carrow Road, the shops in The Lanes or a pint in a real ale pub and the culture is more than evident! Good luck Norwich.'

Mr Humphrey, who was born in Peterborough, but moved to Norfolk as a youngster, started out at Anglia TV and presented sport on Rapture TV and after several knock backs he got his big break on Children's BBC before going on to present other shows on the channel like The Saturday Show, Fame Academy, and Newsround.

Sport though has always been his first love, and the Norwich City fan, became the youngest ever presenter to host Football Focus, Match of the Day, and Final Score.

In October 2007, he became the BBC's first ever American Football host, subsequently presenting Super Bowl XLII and Super Bowl XLIII live.

He has also presented the BBC's highlights shows for the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations as well as hosting the afternoon show at the Olympics for the BBC in Beijing in 2008, and co-hosted BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2008 and 2009.

Mr Humphrey's backing for Norwich comes just days after the city had to submit its final bid alongside other shortlisted cities- Birmingham, Sheffield, and Derry/Londonderry.

Other stars to have so far backed Norwich's bid include Stephen Fry, Delia Smith, Simon Callow, Christopher Biggins, Marco Pierre White, Cathy Dennis, Arthur Smith, and Frederick Forsyth.

To find out more about the City of Culture bid, or how to get involved, log onto www.en24.co.uk/culture

Support Norwich on FacebookOfficial Norwich 2013 bid website