Reading between the lines it sounds like Allen is off to Channel 4. However, Allen himself wrote a few weeks ago that Edwards & McKenzie were to be part of the Channel 4 team so James being lead commentator doesn't align with his own reporting. Perhaps he's moving into punditry or presenting as DEmberton said, I certainly hope it's not as commentator if it means Ben missing out.
Either way it looks like he's no longer with 5 Live which leaves an opening for (our very own

) Jack Nicholls. I just hope such a move won't break up his Formula E partnership with Dario, my favourite commentary lineup in a long time.
Regarding the earlier talk that Sky were cutting their pre-race to 60 minutes, it's a very good move if true and together with the reduction in The F1 Show should mean much improved coverage with less filler. Quality will always beat quantity and that's a mistake Sky have fallen foul of for 4 years which with any luck they've now put right.