Formula 1 is like no other sport and anyone that’s been to a Grand Prix will know there’s nothing quite like the buzz of an F1 track. It’s a unique sensory experience - passion, drama and excitement converge in one of the most competitive environments imaginable. And this is what keeps us hooked from the first race to the last each season.

Our challenge is to capture this experience and take viewers deep inside Formula 1, uncovering the gripping stories that surround this great sport like never before.

While the excitement of every Grand Prix, qualifying and practice race is at the very heart of the channel, these are just part of the story. Throughout the season, Sky viewers will experience a wealth of programming, including an in-depth series of interviews and a range of archived Formula 1 action.

And in addition to our Formula 1 racing coverage, Sky Sports F1 HD will also be showing every GP2 and GP3 race during the Grand Prix weekends live, which is yet another attraction to keep motorsport fans excited. With six former PG2 champions driving in Formula 1 this season, including Lewis Hamilton and last year’s winner Romain Grosjean, this promises to be another fascinating season as we track the next wave of drivers that may very well feature in F1 in the future.

The on-air elements of Sky Sports F1 HD will see us make use of some of the latest technology - both in the studios and out closer the track - bringing the most innovative and insightful coverage, news, updates and stories to our viewers.

As an example of this innovation, I’ve included a clip of Sky Sports F1 analyst Ted Kravitz demonstrating The F1 Show’s virtual car. This technology has been a great addition to the studio, allowing our team to take viewers closer to the detail of these amazing machines. Simply by pulling the image of the car from the iPad screen, our presenters and analysts can transfer the dynamic, virtual vehicle to the floor of the studio - the car can then be rotated, raised and refreshed into a range of different makes and models.

Another key element of our coverage is of course our presentation team, who will keep viewers informed and entertained while guiding us through the season. Earlier this week, Barney Francis touched on the great partnerships we’ve developed in our combination of commentators and presenters. It’s certainly a dynamic and focused group – their passion and drive for F1 is so engaging and this energy carries through everything we’ve tasked them to do. I’m delighted with the Sky Sports F1 HD on-air team, and their experience, insight and expertise is really set to enhance our coverage even further.

So as we head towards Melbourne and Sky Sports F1 HD’s first Grand Prix this weekend, we’re looking forward to challenging everything you’ve seen before when it comes to Formula 1 racing. Our team are already on the ground at Melbourne’s Albert Park Lake, readying what promises to be a momentous weekend for the sport back in the UK and Ireland too.