F1 and Sky to co-produce first Grand Prix broadcast for children

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Formula 1 and Sky Group have teamed up to produce at this summer’s Hungarian Grand Prix the sport’s first-ever race broadcast tailor-made for children.

In a bid to further broaden its demographics and to captivate the interest of children, the innovative dedicated broadcast will feature presenters of the Sky Kids show FYI, Braydon and Scarlett, and go-karter Zac, who will join 2016 F1 champion Nico Rosberg and Danica Patrick to create F1 Juniors.

The bespoke International Feed is set to include bespoke graphics, sound effects and special features, including 3D augmented graphics on specific camera angles, that will enhance the broadcast for younger audiences in the UK, but also in Germany.

Over the course of the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, the young recruits will interviews with their favourite drivers and other big names from the paddock, co-hosting with Natalie Pinkham and the Sky Sports F1 team, and commentating live during the race.

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“We want to ensure that our fans of all ages can enjoy and fall in love with Formula 1, so working with our long-standing partners at Sky on this project to target younger audiences is really exciting," commented Ian Holmes, F1 director of media rights and content creation.

“This is a first of its kind in motorsport and I am excited to see the broadcast come to life and to watch the next generation of presenting talent.”

Sky UK and Sky Deutschland will each broadcast their own package, with the latter now holding an open casting call for up-and-coming reporting talent between the ages of 10 and 14 who will be invited to join their Sky Next Generation programme.

"We are really excited about giving the next generation of F1 fans a platform to show their passion and excitement for the sport as F1 continues to grow in popularity amongst younger audiences,” added Sky F1 pundit and 2009 F1 World Champion Jenson Button.

“We may just find our next Crofty or Naomi Schiff."

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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.