The thrills and spills of the Honda Formula 4-Stroke championships have resulted in a third consecutive year's television deal with Channel 4
The thrills and spills of the record-breaking Honda Formula 4-Stroke offshore powerboat championships have resulted in a remarkable third consecutive year’s television deal with Channel 4. This year’s five half-hour programmes will be fronted for the first time by well-known motoring presenter Vicki Butler-Henderson. Vicki will be joined by the successful 2002 commentary team of top motor sport voice Ben Edwards alongside reigning World Class One powerboat champion Steve Curtis.
Vicki, Ben and Steve will also present a separate five-programme series on Honda Formula 4-Stroke for Sky Sports. The growth of the two HF4S championships has warranted dedicated television coverage for each class in 2003. The 225hp championship will be screened on terrestrial Channel 4 while the 130hp series will be broadcast via satellite on Sky.
“I can’t wait for the season to start,” comments Vicki Butler-Henderson. “I’ve been a big fan of Honda Formula 4-Stroke since it first started and I’ve got vivid memories of racing one of the 130hp powerboats back in 2001. I’m looking forward to following both championships right through the season and who knows, my powerboating experience might even secure me a drive in one of the stunning 225s!”
“The television coverage of Honda Formula 4-Stroke goes from strength to strength,” comments Martin Sanders, General Manager Power Equipment, Honda (UK). “We’re thrilled that the excitement of the 2002 season translated so well onto Channel 4 that the programmes have been recommissioned for 2003. It’s a source of great pride to everyone at both Honda and the Formula 4-Stroke Association that HF4S remains the only powerboat championship with terrestrial television coverage in the UK.”
“It’s also good news that Vicki’s on board for the season,” continues Sanders. “Vicki’s professionalism and enthusiasm are second to none and the combination of Vicki, Ben and Steve will produce first class television. With no less than ten 225hp and fifteen 130hp powerboats lining up behind the start boat next month there’s no doubt that 2003 will be our best season yet.”
The 2003 Honda Formula 4-Stroke season kicks off with the Northern Ireland Grand Prix, Bangor on June 14 and 15 2003.
Final broadcast dates and times for the Honda Formula 4-Stroke television programmes will be published as soon as they confirmed.
