Franchitti to be Formula E TV commentator

Dario Franchitti

Four-time IndyCar champion, three-time Indianapolis 500 winner and Britain’s greatest motorsport export to the US Dario Franchitti is to join the host television commentary team for the FIA Formula E Championship.

Franchitti, who recently retired from racing following a glittering career, will act as co-commentator and driver pundit when the season gets underway in September alongside lead commentator Jack Nicholls. Anchoring the coverage will be presenter and pitlane reporter Nicki Shields.

In addition to presenting BBC1’s Escape to the Country, The Gadget Show Live and at Goodwood Motorsport, Nicki Shields is a keen scientist with a degree in biology and a passion for technology and motorsport. Heading up the commentary box is Jack Nicholls who despite being just 24 brings with him a wealth of experience providing world commentary feeds for the FIA GT Series, FIA Formula 2 Championship, Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics and Formula 1 for BBC Radio 5 Live.

To date, Formula E has signed live television deals with some of the world’s largest broadcasters including FOX Sports – covering 88 territories across the globe – Japan’s TV Asahi and ITV in the UK, with details of further rights to be announced shortly.

Technology and environmental enthusiast Robert Llewellyn, best known for playing Kryten in the UK TV sitcom Red Dwarf and presenting Scrapheap Challenge, will also present a series of technical features via the championship’s official YouTube channel.

Franchitti, who is one of IndyCar’s most decorated and legendary drivers with 31 victories and 33 poles, said: "It is no secret that I have a passion for the history and evolution of motorsports. To be on the team that will now cover an exciting new racing category is a great honour and I can't wait to see how the Formula E cars perform when the lights go out in Beijing."

Ali Russell, Marketing Director, added: “We’re delighted to be unveiling our host TV commentary team today which we believe ensures fans have the complete range of expertise to guide them through the championship from scientists and technology experts to experienced motorsport commentators and legendary drivers."

The three will provide English language commentary, news and in-depth analysis for all 10 Formula E races which will be offered to rights holders in addition to the comprehensive coverage produced by host broadcaster Aurora Media Worldwide (AMW).