Sky Sports F1 HD has lift-off!

Sky Sports F1 HD has launched with a special two-hour preview show showcasing the channel's array of punditry talent and technical innovations.

Sky Sports F1 HD has launched with a special two-hour preview show looking ahead to the new season and showcasing the array of punditry talent and technical innovations which will provide the script for the long-awaited channel. The lift-off programme, presented by Simon Lazenby in the company of one of Red Bull's title-winning RB7 chargers in addition to pundits Martin Brundle and Damon Hill, was broadcast direct from the channel's bespoke F1 studio and offered an early glimpse of the technical innovations, including a virtual model of the new McLaren car and a giant touchscreen operated by Anthony Davidson, that Sky Sports F1 HD will be using over the course of the 2012 season to bring fans closer to the action than ever before. Highlights of the show, broadcast almost exactly seven days before the season starts with First Practice in Melbourne, included an access-all-areas report on Force India's shakedown of the VJM05 in early February at Silverstone with Martin granted permission by the team to listen in as Paul di Resta's revealed the first impressions of his new office via his car-to-pits radio. Befitting his reputation as the master of uncovering behind-the-scenes intrigue, Ted Kravitz was also on hand to provide a detailed and instructive analysis of the state of play after winter testing, while Georgie Thompson conducted a one-to-one interview with Jenson Button in which the 2009 World Champion discussed life at McLaren alongside Lewis Hamilton and his hopes for the year ahead. The Sky Sports F1 HD team are now moving on to Melbourne, from where they will broadcast the first session of the new season on Friday morning. To find out more about the channel, click here