W Series gets all-star TV presentation lineup

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W Series has announced a lineup of well known names and familiar faces to cover the all-female championship's maiden season which kicks off next weekend at Hockenheim.

Earlier this month, W Series revealed its deal with Britain's Channel 4 by which the free-to-air broadcaster will show live coverage of all six of its races, and now we know who will be on duty to report on the action.

Motorsport, rugby and Wimbledon anchor Lee McKenzie will be W Series anchor-presenter, while residing in the commentary booth will be TV and radio motor racing specialist Claire Cottingham officiating as lead commentator.

W Series to be broadcast live on UK's free-to-air Channel 4

Claire will be in good company in the box however as she'll be flanked by 13-time Grand Prix winner and F1 Channel 4 pundit David Coulthard, who also happens to be the chairman of w Series' Advisory Board.

But wait, there's more! Down in the pitlane, non-other than Ted Kravitz - notebook in hand - will be providing color and backstories on the action.

During the year, W Series will also welcome guest contributors, celebrities and motorsport personalities onto its platform.

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"All of us at W Series are delighted to have contracted such a superb team of TV talent," said W Series CEO Catherine Bond.

"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.

"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."

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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.