Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsFormula 1

Coulthard joins Channel 4's F1 line-up

Thirteen-time Grand Prix winner and former BBC pundit will be joining Channel 4's 2016 Formula 1 commentary team.

The free-to-air broadcaster is taking over the BBC's coverage of Grand Prix racing this year following the latter's decision to pull out of its TV contract with FOM for budgetary reasons.

It was also announced that Channel 4 will entrust the production of its F1 production to Whisper Films, of which Coulthard is a founder.

"This is an exciting time for the sport and an exciting time for Whisper Films," Coulthard said.

"The F1 world has been incredibly impressed with what Whisper has delivered over the last five years and Channel 4's decision is testament to that.

"I'm looking forward to being part of an exciting new era for Formula 1, with Whisper Films and our proven level of creativity and innovation very much at the heart of that."

Ed Harvard, Channel 4's head of TV events and sport said: "We are delighted that David Coulthard will be at the heart of Channel 4's coverage and look forward to announcing the full presenting team in the coming weeks."

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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.