W Series, the all-female motorsport series, has confirmed a star-studded TV presentation team which will include a few familiar faces for Formula 1 fans.
Lee McKenzie joins the team in the role of anchor-presenter, a duty she will split with her F1 coverage on Channel 4. As will former Red Bull and McLaren driver David Coulthard. The Scotsman will join TV and radio broadcaster Claire Cottingham in the commentary booth, covering all six rounds of the debut season of W Series.
The addition of Ted Kravitz will please many fans. The Sky Sports technical pundit will take on the role of pitlane specialist alongside his reduced F1 role, which became the subject of a petition on Twitter with the #WheresTed hashtag.
Channel 4 will host all six rounds of the series live, which acts as a support race for the DTM series through 2019 at Hockenheim, Zolder, Misano, Norisring, Assen and Brands Hatch.
"All of us at W Series are delighted to have contracted such a superb team of TV talent," commented W Series CEO, Catherine Bond Muir.
"DC is of course a household name – a Formula 1 winner 13 times – and is a brilliant co-commentator, delivering his lifetime’s knowledge of a racing driver’s craft informatively and entertainingly. He is also Chairman of W Series’ Advisory Board.
"Lee is a consummate TV anchor-presenter – intelligent and insightful yet possessed of a friendly and accessible on-screen manner. Ted is a legend – uniquely able to describe and explain racing tech and tactics in a digestible way – while we’re delighted that W Series and Channel 4 will be bringing Claire’s motorsport commentary skills to a wider audience than have heard her before. She’s an excellent racing story-teller.
"In summary, it’s a great team, and it’s especially pleasing that there are so many women in key positions – with more to come."
Lee McKenzie: "It’s a huge pleasure to be involved at the start of W Series. I’ve covered almost every series of motorsport and to be involved in one that could also change the face of the sport as we know it is really exciting.
"W Series is on one of the best motorsport platforms there is – DTM – and it will therefore visit some incredible racetracks. I went to Almeria at the end of March to attend the final part of W Series’ driver selection programme, and I was really impressed by what I saw. Gender aside, these drivers are the same as every other driver on every other grid: they have a huge desire to succeed."
Ted Kravitz: "It’s rare that a brand-new motorsport series comes along that captures the imagination and interest in the way that W Series has.
"I’m really looking forward to telling the stories of all these drivers and joining the W Series team of new and familiar faces."
Claire Cottingham: "I’m thrilled to be part of this incredible and ground-breaking team, being one of the first female commentators in motorsport.
"It’s an absolute dream come true to be involved in such a historic series, which supports women in fulfilling their potential. I can’t wait to see W Series grow and watch the drivers excel in a sport that I love so much."
David Coulthard: "Having spent almost my entire life immersed in motor racing, first as a driver and then as a TV commentator and businessman, I’m now absolutely delighted to be playing a key role within W Series – not only as a member of the series’ management but also now as part of the TV commentary team.
"I firmly believe that W Series is a radical but crucial innovation in motorsport, and that it will result in the development of some very talented and successful female racing drivers, this year and in years to come.
"Undoubtedly, Channel 4 and Whisper Films will collaborate to put on a great show, and it’s an excellent sign of the times that the only motor racing series that will be shown live on free-to-air TV on any of the UK’s top four channels will be an all-female one."
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