Channel 4 have revealed their all-star presenter line-up for their Formula 1 debut in 2016.
The UK broadcaster replaces the BBC as the UK’s free-to-air F1 broadcaster this year after the BBC terminated their contract three years early, and Steve Jones, best known for presenting The X Factor USA, will front the coverage joining the previously confirmed thirteen-times Grand Prix winner David Coulthard.
For Channel 4’s live races, Coulthard will be joined by expert analysts Mark Webber and Scottish racing driver Susie Wolff while former Hispania/HRT F1 driver Karun Chandhok will take on the role of Technical Analyst, commentating from the pit lane with former BBC F1 reporter Lee McKenzie. Commentator Ben Edwards will continue to lead the race commentary alongside Coulthard after also coming across from the BBC.
A range of motorsport figures will be part of the wider presenting team across the 2016 World Championship season; four-time F1 World Champion Alain Prost, former team boss Eddie Jordan, former F1, Champ Car and World Touring Car driver and gold-medal winning Paralympian Alex Zanardi, British Touring Car driver Nicolas Hamilton and current FIA Formula E driver Bruno Senna.
Iconic motorsport commentator Murray Walker will give his unique insight into F1 when he interviews some of the drivers in the sport, while current Renault driver Jolyon Palmer will provide his unique perspective from the race track with a regular column on Channel 4’s website.
Channel 4 will broadcast live coverage of ten Grand Prix without advertising breaks during the main races as part of their three-year deal from 2016-2018, and will broadcast highlights of all 21 races with the channel’s first live race being the 2016 Bahrain Grand Prix next month.
The broadcaster confirmed last month that Fleetwood Mac’s The Chain will be the title track of their F1 coverage, ensuring an iconic tune remains the theme tune of F1 on TV.
