Formula E launches search for young TV presenters of the future

Aspiring TV presenters are being offered a chance to join the broadcast team on one of the world’s fastest growing sports as part of a new talent search. The Formula E championship has launched a competition to find the next generation of presenters who will be offered professional media training and a chance to present on-air and online. The competition is being launched on International Youth Day and is open to anyone aged 18 to 24. The only restrictions are that they can audition in English and are a resident of the UK, France or Germany. The first-round online entry portal opens on August 12 and closes on September 12. To be in with a chance to progress to the semi-finals, entrants must submit a 30 to 60-second video showcasing why they should be Formula E’s newest presenter to the competition website. The candidates will then be whittled down, with the 15 brightest talents chosen to face an expert panel of judges from the Formula E community. From there, four finalists will progress to the next stage, where they will be invited to attend pre-season testing and be set a series of on-screen challenges. The finalists will each receive mentorship and professional media training before an ultimate winner is selected. The winner will earn a paid position joining the existing Formula E on-air and online presenter team for the first race of Season 7, which will kick off in 2021. The successful candidate will join the current Formula 1 presenting team, which includes Jack Nicholls, IndyCar champion Dario Franchitti, Nicki Shields and Vernon Kay. Vernon Kay commented: “Within the Formula E broadcast team we have the platform to reach out to a huge global audience. The Formula E talent search will give young people the chance to join the fastest growing motor racing championship in the world. This opportunity will really stretch their broadcasting skills in an environment which is intense, super-fast and exciting. I can’t wait to see the winner on the grid - good luck to everyone.” Katie Traxton, chief communications officer of Formula E, added: “Formula E was founded to create better futures through racing for generations to come. While our focus on counteracting climate change is as resolute as ever, we believe we have a duty to do more. We hope that the Open Talent Call for Presenters will give us the opportunity to discover diverse young voices and invite them to join our existing team of accomplished on-air and online talent.”