Exclusive – Adrien Paviot (TF1): « the arrangement remains simple for now, we want to produce serious coverage »

Adrien Paviot is calmly awaiting 3:10 PM this Sunday. It must be said that the man is experienced. A commentator for nearly a decade, the Tours native currently works at the microphone for Eurosport covering Formula E. Crowned French champion in 2004 at the FFSA France Cup, the Tours native even has an impressive past as a driver. He has faced Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, and Nico Rosberg in the European karting championships… no less! Besides his work as a journalist, Adrien Paviot also designs helmets for many drivers, including those on the F1 grid. The man knows the industry like the back of his hand. To accompany him in the booth, Adrien Paviot will be joined by Jean-Eric Vergne, a former Formula 1 driver (with 58 Grand Prix from 2012 to 2014), currently leading Formula E, three races away from the finale. A beautiful story for the two men: “JEV” went through the Formula Renault team… then owned by Adrien Paviot’s father! Whether in front of a wheel or a microphone, the new commentator for the leading channel is certainly in his element.

Adrien, how are you feeling with less than 24 hours to go before the race?

« I am ready. There are many kind-hearted people who have surrounded me at TF1, like Grégoire Margotton or Denis Brogniart. They have given me a lot of advice on how to approach my commentary. Also, I am accompanied by the Auto-Moto team, which will broadcast the show from Monaco on Sunday morning. And most of the TF1 journalists present in Monaco are already very familiar with the paddock… It’s like entering a new school, with a group of classmates who already know the students. There is a very good atmosphere. »

What will be the pre-race and post-race coverage on the channel?

« We will start with an introductory show, which will not be called F1 à la Une. It will begin at 2:50 PM with Marion Jollès Grosjean on the grid and Pierre Gallacio in the pits. After the race, we will broadcast the podium, but there will be no debrief show. There’s a program like 7 à 8 Life that works very well, and we can’t encroach on that. We are already given a slot. TF1 is returning to Formula 1 after a 5-year absence… one step at a time, we have three years! »

This Grand Prix is a springboard for the following ones, including the French Grand Prix.

#TF1 à #Monaco toute cette semaine pour vous préparer un super #Automoto dimanche en immersion 👍🏎 pic.twitter.com/LYN7sOWiqw

— Pierre Gallaccio (@PierreGallaccio) 23 mai 2018

What is the true strength of the setup on TF1?

Simply to offer F1 free-to-air to viewers! We do not claim to outshine everyone in terms of setup. We just want to do things properly and efficiently. I arrived at the paddock on Wednesday, I can’t say I’m lacking information!

How many advertisements per race?

I don’t have the exact figure, but the idea is to do a little more on Monaco to put a little less on the French Grand Prix. It is an intention, but it has not yet been confirmed by the network to date. We will rely on the numerous safety car interventions. We are obviously sorry, but it is still the only viable option to offer Formula 1 for free.

Have you rehearsed a lot with Jean-Eric?

« We did a dry run of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix commentary together for practice, and it went very well. We will also comment on the Qualifications together to ensure the booth is working well. The chemistry works with “JEV,” I’ve known him since his early days in Formula Renault in 2007, and I’ve been designing his helmets for a year and a half. He is in a virtuous circle as a driver: he is very close to winning the title in Formula E and also wins in Endurance. He is really confident, and that’s very important, even for his commentary. »

« I have blind faith in what Jean-Eric will propose as a consultant. »

Our interview is interrupted for a few moments… by Franck Montagny, who stops to greet Adrien Paviot. The latter follows with this double confession: « Franck is my childhood idol. I even started helmet designs by winning a contest to design his! »

Let’s continue… how much does your experience as a driver help you in your commentary?

« I might see that something is happening more easily on the track, which will trigger Jean-Eric in his analysis. »

You had an honest career as a pilot… At what point did the shift from piloting to journalism occur?

« I quickly realized when Romain gave me “big beatings” in Formula Renault (laughs)! But more seriously, I’ve never had any bitterness about it: I was just as interested in driving as I was in the media. »

Will there be differences in your commentary compared to what Canal+ can offer?

« I think so. On TF1, we need to remind the rankings much more often. For example, we will need to explain to the viewers what the Halo is. We will have to go into details without excluding the specialists. »

« On TF1, we don’t have the same target audience as Canal+. Our audience will be broader but less passionate. We will also need to attract former fans: it’s a balance to maintain. »

How likely does Formula 1 have a future on free-to-air channels?

She will have one as long as new technologies align with the vehicle of tomorrow. It remains a spectacle just like a football match or a Moto Grand Prix. It can still make people dream, even more so than during a certain period when drivers would win with a lap lead, like with Ayrton Senna or Michael Schumacher. We shouldn’t overly idealize and constantly criticize the present. Now, we’re fortunate to have competitive races with many different winners.

Thank you Adrien for this interview… What is your prediction for Sunday?

« (Without hesitation) Daniel Ricciardo! But Vettel and Hamilton will be in the mix. And our three Frenchmen can compete for points. I would really like Esteban (Ocon) and Romain (Grosjean) to bounce back… »

From our special correspondent in Monaco