TV’s Sky Sports F1 – ‘Britain’s Next F1 Star’ Sponsored by Scalextric

Scalextric is pleased to be sponsoring a brand new TV programme, Britain’s Next F1 Star, on Sky Sports F1.  Each of these fascinating 30-minute documentaries follows one of six young racers through the trials and tribulations of attempting to become an F1 racing driver.

Britain’s Next F1 Star starts this Thursday 4th October at 19:30, running for 6 weeks to coincide the final races of this year’s intriguing Grand Prix season.

In this series, six of the most talented young drivers in the UK, each inspired by Scalextric from an early age, pursue their F1 dreams.  Viewers will witness the glamorous highs through to the costly lows of the racing world.  The up-and-coming racing stars were selected to take part are all under 23 years old and are all determined to become Britain’s Next F1 Star.  Seb Morris, Jordan King, Josh Hill, Alice Powell, Dean Smith and Alex Brundle will all appear alongside other supporting sporting celebrities.

Britain’s Next F1 Star sponsored by Scalextric L to R – Jordan King, Seb Morris and Josh Hill

Scalextric’s Marketing Manager, Paul Chandler commented; “This is the perfect TV sponsorship campaign for Scalextric and a great opportunity for us to support this elite group of up-and-coming F1 stars.  The Scalextric brand has, at some level, inspired the majority of top race drivers for over 50 years; bringing affordable racing into the homes of generations and, in turn, introduced the fundamental skills  of racing.”

Britain’s Next F1 Star starts Thursday 4th October on Sky Sport F1 (channel 408) at 19:30 and repeated at 22:45.  Follow the series on Twitter #scalextricnextf1star

Episode 1 featuring Seb Morris - 4th October

Racing prodigy Seb Morris may only be in his teens but he’s a motorsport obsessive. Driving consumes every aspect of his life. Even before he had a driving licence! As the youngest ever winner of the Junior Ginetta G40 Series, Seb has heads turning in the world of F1. He has the unstinting support of his Property Developer Dad and glamorous Mum, as he looks to become the first ever Welsh world champion in F1. We hear from “Team Seb” in his bid to make it to the top, while Seb himself bids to meet his hero – the most decorated man in the history of F1 – Michael Schumacher.

Episode 2 featuring Jordan King - 11th October

His dad runs Sainsbury’s. Now Jordan King is looking to get a run in F1. He is one of British motorsport’s brightest prospects and the youngest ever Formula Two racer in the modern era. Jordan has the might of one of the UK’s most successful businessmen behind him as he looks to make it in motor sport. Jordan takes us through the hurdles that have to be cleared to earn a F1 racing seat. We also hear how Jordan suffered from cancer at an early age and Ian Botham appears with Jordan to show his support on a charity walk.

Episode 3 featuring Josh Hill - 25th October

His grandfather Graham was a world champion. His dad Damon was a world champion. Now Josh Hill prepares for his bid to become a third generation F1 superstar. It took a while for Josh to be bitten by the F1 bug but now he seeks to further the family’s reputation. We follow Josh to the home of motorsport at Silverstone, scene of some landmark Hill moments, while also understanding the considerable legacy that his family casts over the world of F1. Damon Hill gives his verdict on his son’s chances of being a future world champion and outlines how you could put seven people through university for the cost of one season racing!

Episode 4 featuring Alice Powell - 1st November

Alice Powell – she’s the first female to win a Formula Renault BARC race and to lift the title. F1 has NEVER produced a female world champion – Alice is looking to become the first but there are industry experts who claim that women are just not cut out for F1 and this will never happen. Girl racer Tiff Chittenden appears and describes how despite her own F1 dream over there is still a career for girls in motorsport. From New Delhi to Chipping Norton, Alice takes us through the life an aspiring racing driver and the obstacles facing her climb into F1.

Episode 5 featuring Dean Smith - 15th November

For Dean Smith, one of Britain’s most talented young drivers, time is running out for him to break into F1. Dean has been decorated with similar honours to Jenson Button and Paul Di Resta but turning that last corner into the world of F1 is proving tricky as the money runs out from sponsors. He has a new bride and baby to think about. We follow one of the hardest working drivers in British motor sport while his wife also prepares for a life in the paddock alongside the F1 WAGS.

Episode 6 featuring Alex Brundle - 22nd November

As the son of former F1 racer and Sky Sports pundit Martin Brundle, the spotlight of the biggest franchise in motor sport is unlikely to phase Alex Brundle. Following in famous footsteps, Alex has been working his way through the motor racing formulae. But there’s no doubt about where he’s set his sights. We follow Alex to Barcelona while hearing from his family about the trials and tribulations of watching another Brundle in a race seat. McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh tips Alex to have a great career in motor sport. Alex already teaches enthusiasts how to race including Paul Stewart the drummer with chart topping band, The Feeling. In return, Paul invites Alex into the studio drum along on a session.