W Series 2019: Channel 4 unveil Ted Kravitz as part of impressive presenting line-up

Kravitz will join Channel 4 regular Lee McKenzie in the paddock while David Coulthard and Claire Cottingham will fill the commentary box for this weekend’s championship opener

Ted Kravitz has been unveiled as part of Channel 4's coverage of the W Series (W Series)

The inaugural season of the W Series will be presented by a combination of Channel 4 and Sky Sports broadcasters that will be fronted by Lee McKenzie, David Coulthard and Claire Cottingham, with much-loved reporter Ted Kravitz also announced as part of the impressive line-up.

Kravitz will replicate the pit-lane reporter role that he has fulfilled for Sky since they secured the F1 rights in 2012, having also worked with the BBC and ITV during their years as the sport’s host broadcaster.

With more than two decades’ of experience in the paddock, Kravitz has developed into one of the most informed reporters on the F1 circuit, which has helped develop a loyal following that will help to bring a number of eyes to the W Series that this year features a six-race calendar for female drivers.

After a delay in Sky renewing his contract, a strong social media backlash led to his return on the screen, but with a greater flexibility this season Kravitz has been able to secure other deals with Formula One itself and now Channel 4, who earlier this month secured exclusive rights to the W Series.

“It’s rare that a brand-new motorsport series comes along that captures the imagination and interest in the way that W Series has,” said Kravitz.

“I’m really looking forward to telling the stories of all these drivers and joining the W Series team of new and familiar faces.”

Both McKenzie and Coulthard will continue their work with Channel 4, with the pair currently part of the F1 highlights show that provides terrestrial coverage of the 2019 season as well as live broadcasts of the British Grand Prix. McKenzie also fronts the channel’s Olympic and Paralympic Games coverage and European Champions Cup rugby shows, as well as working at Wimbledon.

“It’s a huge pleasure to be involved at the start of W Series,” said McKenzie. “I’ve covered almost every series of motorsport and to be involved in one that could also change the face of the sport as we know it is really exciting.

Lee McKenzie will present Channel 4's coverage of the W Series (Getty)

“W Series is on one of the best motorsport platforms there is – DTM – and it will therefore visit some incredible racetracks. I went to Almeria at the end of March to attend the final part of W Series’ driver selection programme, and I was really impressed by what I saw. Gender aside, these drivers are the same as every other driver on every other grid: they have a huge desire to succeed.”

With Coulthard doubling up his role as co-commentator alongside his position among the W Series’ management team and broadcasting coverage through his Whisper Films business, the former Grand Prix winner is set to play an instrumental role in the development of the new championship.

“Having spent almost my entire life immersed in motor racing, first as a driver and then as a TV commentator and businessman, I’m now absolutely delighted to be playing a key role within W Series – not only as a member of the series’ management but also now as part of the TV commentary team,” Coulthard said.

David Coulthard announced the 18 successful drivers who will compete in the W Series (Getty)

“I firmly believe that W Series is a radical but crucial innovation in motorsport, and that it will result in the development of some very talented and successful female racing drivers, this year and in years to come.

“Undoubtedly, Channel 4 and Whisper Films will collaborate to put on a great show, and it’s an excellent sign of the times that the only motor racing series that will be shown live on free-to-air TV on any of the UK’s top four channels will be an all-female one.”

Coulthard will call the shots alongside lead commentator Cottingham, who will help to push the W Series’ chief aim that there are multiple roles for women throughout the motorsport industry. Commentary boxes throughout the motorsport world are all-too-often male-dominated areas, but Cottingham’s appointment will help to further project an avenue for media-trained females looking to discover opportunities within the sport.

“I’m thrilled to be part of this incredible and ground-breaking team, being one of the first female commentators in motorsport,” Cottingham said.

“It’s an absolute dream come true to be involved in such an historic series, which supports women in fulfilling their potential. I can’t wait to see W Series grow and watch the drivers excel in a sport that I love so much.”

The W Series begins this weekend at Hockenheim in Germany as one of the support series for the DTM championship, with two free practice sessions taking place on Friday 3 May before Saturday’s qualifying and race. Britain will have a championship-topping five drivers in the series this year, comprised of Jamie Chadwick, Esmee Hawkey, Jessica Hawkins, Sarah Moore and Alice Powell.