Sky to premiere Senna movie & motoring series in F1 push

January 22, 2012   ·   0 Comments

Sky are to launch a raft of complimentary programming to mark the launch of dedicated Formula 1 channel, Sky Sports F1 HD on 9 March – including a history of British motoring documentary & the premiere screening of the Senna Movie.   

The Petrol Age is a four part series for Sky Atlantic that tells the absorbing story of British motoring across the ages, through the iconic cars and incredible personalities that helped establish the UK as a major driving force in global motoring.

Fronted by Paul McGann, each of the four programmes will focus on one aspect of British motoring: Speed; Glamour; Icons and Trail Blazers.

Each episode will explore a key story that ties in with the episodes’ central theme, as well as creating a wider picture for the viewer via archive footage, visits to some of the nations’ most impressive motoring museums, and interviews.

Speaking about his involvement in the series Paul said: “I’m thrilled to be part of Sky Atlantic HD’s The Petrol Age. It promises to be something of a personal journey of discovery into our national love of cars, our spirit of invention and design, our sense of adventure and competitiveness and our fascination with beauty. And I might even get to drive some classics!”

Clare Handford, commissioner for the show, said: “I am very excited about The Petrol Age which is my first order for Sky Atlantic HD. Paul McGann will take us on a revved up ride through the very best of British motoring, from the most glamorous and iconic cars we’ve ever produced, to the superfast hybrids we are creating today. It’s a unique way to look at British innovation over the last 100 years.”

Executive Producer for Bigger Pictures Darren Bender added: “For me this series is a celebration of how cars have changed our landscape and our way of life beyond recognition, as well as inspiring love, envy, admiration and joy for millions of us. We also hope to show viewers the fundamental role Britain and our heroic innovators have played in the evolution of the petrol car.”

The launch of dedicated Formula 1 channel, Sky F1 HD will also be marked by a Sky 1 Gadget Geeks special and the premiere of the highly acclaimed and BAFTA nominated Senna on Sky Movies on Friday 9 March at 10pm.

Senna is the true story of Brazilian motor-racing legend, Ayrton Senna, whom many believe was the greatest driver who ever lived. Spanning Senna’s titanic Formula One career, the film charts his physical and spiritual journey, both on track and off; his quest for perfection and his ultimate transformation from a supremely gifted novice, who exploded into F1 in 1984, to myth after the tragic events of Imola in 1994. Made with the full co-operation of the Senna family and Formula One Management, Senna is the first official documentary feature about his life, featuring astounding archive material, much of which was previously unseen.

Senna Movie Trailer

Sky Sports F1 HD will be the only place to enjoy live coverage of the whole Grand Prix season, including all practice and qualifying sessions and every race in the calendar. The dedicated channel will be provided at no extra charge to all Sky TV customers who take both Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports 2 or who take Sky’s HD pack of channels. The channel will also be available on Virgin Media, however not in high definition.

Tags: Gadget Geeks, Paul McGann, Senna, Senna Movie, Sky Atlantic, Sky Sports F1 HD, Sky TV, The Petrol Age