Ahead of the start of a new season in June, the all-female W Series has confirmed it will be broadcast live on Channel 4 throughout 2021.
The announcement ensures that the groundbreaking single-seater championship will remain free-to-air for UK fans.
During the inaugural 2019 season the W Series was, after football, the most-watched women’s sport in the UK. The 2020 season was cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Continuing to break down barriers
For the 2021 season, the presenting and commentary team for the W Series has been expanded. With an eye on equality, the team is made up of women and men in equal numbers.
Lee McKenzie, David Coulthard, and Ted Kravitz all return from the inaugural 2019 W Series.
They are joined by Anna Woolhouse as presenter, Amy Reynolds as a pitlane reporter, and Naomi Schiff as an analyst. Schiff competed in the inaugural W Series, and has represented the championship as Diversity and Inclusion Ambassador.
Alex Jacques, will be the lead commentator. This is an extension of his lead commentary role on Channel 4’s Formula 1 coverage. He will be joined by Billy Monger, who was a race pundit for the W Series Esports League in 2020.
Creating ‘more visible role models‘
Such a substantial TV lineup reflects the growing importance of the W Series. The 2021 season will see all eight rounds featured as support races for the Formula 1 World Championship.
Channel 4 will air all qualifying sessions and races for the W Series live, with on-demand access through the All 4 service.
The 2021 W Series starts on 26 June, with the opening round at the Red Bull Ring in Austria
W Series CEO, Catherine Bond Muir, commented that: “I am delighted that W Series’ founding broadcast partner, Channel 4, has reinforced its commitment to showcasing women’s sport and our talented racing drivers.”
Muir added: “Live free-to-air motorsport coverage is rare, but our partnership with Channel 4 is a key part of W Series’ plan to create more visible role models to inspire girls and women to be a part of motorsport, whether that is on track, on screen or behind the scenes, and the expertise and insight provided by our brilliant commentary team will be instrumental to our efforts.”
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