SKY SPORTS has confirmed its line-up for the inaugural A1 Grand Prix of Nations Brands Hatch on 24th-25th September.
The broadcast team features:
· Georgie Thompson - Presenter
· John Watson - Commentator
· Ben Edwards - Commentator
· Andy Priaulx - Studio Analyst
· Sophie Aal - Reporter
· Keith Huewen - Reporter
Rory Hopkins, Sky Sports' producer for A1 Grand Prix said: "A1 Grand Prix will make fantastic television and I'm sure the team we've assembled has the motorsport and broadcast experience to relay the excitement of Brands Hatch to Sky Sports viewers at home."
Presenter - Georgie Thompson
The Sky Sports News presenter, who also presents Sky's US Open tennis coverage and more recently, Sky One's Greatest Sporting Legend, will front live coverage of the inaugural season of A1 Grand Prix. Georgie said: "The concept of A1GP is a brilliant one; identical cars representing different countries competing on a level playing field in fantastic locations. All the ingredients are there and the stage is now set for some great racing. I've no doubt our viewers will be behind Team Great Britain team from the start! I can't wait for the action to begin."
Commentator - John Watson
One of the nation's most successful F1 drivers, John was a winner of five GPs, including the 1981 British GP at Silverstone. Now an accomplished broadcaster, he said: "A1 Grand Prix is an extremely well thought out concept and reminds me of the pre-war days of Formula One when teams were closely linked to their national identities. With so much sport on television, motor racing needs to win the public's approval; get them thinking 'wow, what a fantastic race'. I think A1GP will do that with identical cars racing in their national colours with the emphasis on driving skills."
Commentator - Ben Edwards
Ben formed an acclaimed F1 commentary partnership with John Watson for Eurosport and F1 digital + has a wealth of motorsport experience on F1, touring cars, rally, CART, Formula 3, British GT and speedway. Ben says: "I think A1 Grand Prix will attract a new audience to motor racing thanks to nations racing one another, rather than teams or manufacturers. It will be easier to see who's doing well and who's not doing well. I'm particularly looking forward to team strategies throughout the season; which drivers they choose for particular sessions, when they use the power boost during races and so on."
Studio Analyst - Andy Priaulx
Currently second in the World Touring Car Championships, Andy is the reigning European Touring Car Champion and recently tested for BMW WilliamsF1 Team. Boasting a wealth of motorsport experience from g-karts to powerboats, Andy said: "I have kept a close eye on how A1GP has developed and am certain it will be a great series. From a driver's perspective the chance to drive one of these V8 powered machines would be fantastic. The level playing field concept promises to produce some nail biting racing with overtaking and I think the TV viewers are in for a great treat."
Reporter - Sophie Aal
Experienced speedway broadcaster and journalist, Sophie will be in the pitlane with the latest news and views as the action unfolds. "It's a phenomenal idea, not just to have nationals racing one another, but in the design of the cars that should ensure that the races are as competitive as possible. With such global focus, there's no reason why it can't attract a huge international following as the A1GP series travels to the four corners of the world."
Reporter - Keith Huewen
One of motorsport's leading broadcasters, Keith presents Sky Sports' live British Superbikes and Indy Racing League coverage. Former British Champion and Grand Prix motorcycle racer, Keith said: "Over the last three months, A1GP has gathered huge momentum now that the cars have been built and delivered to the teams. They look, and sound great, and I think many people are now sitting up and taking notice. Staging races throughout the winter, the time of the year when petrol heads like me are starved of action, is a fantastic idea too."
