F1 working on exhaust microphone to boost TV volume

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Formula 1 is working on a microphone device which could be attached to cars' exhaust systems to enhance the audio for TV viewers.

Since F1 ushered in the era of the hybrid engine in 2014, the muffled, deeper sound of the turbocharged power units has taken away part of the thrill of Grand Prix racing which was provided by the high-pitch, screaming volume of the V8 and V10 engine.

F1 commercial director Sean Bratches agreed that the viewer experience needed to be enhanced, and revealed that the sport was investigating a way of pumping up the volume for TV viewers.

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Bratches said F1 was working with Australian producer and sports television innovator David Hill on a dedicated device.

"He's working with a German concern to develop a ceramic microphone that we can actually adhere to the exhaust pipe to get the true amplification of sound for fans," said Bratches.

A former boss of Fox Sports and a long-time associate of F1 CEO Chase Carey, Hill has been spending considerable time with F1's broadcasting operations at races and at the unit's headquarters at Biggin Hill.

F1 tested a 'megaphone' type exhaust in 2015 to try and boost noise levels but the device was ultimately discarded.

Noise is also at the forefront of F1's work on its future engine platform, headed by sporting manager Ross Brawn.

The power unit of the future, set to be introduced in 2021, is expected to retain hybrid components but with a less sophisticated - and costly - architecture. Hopefully, it will be music to F1 fans' ears...

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.