Viaplay’s F1 product is fine, but there is a lot to improve, writes Iltalehti’s F1 editor Juuso Taipale.
Viaplay’s F1 team has gathered a convincing range of passion and expertise.
The transfer of formulas from Maikkar to Viapay was successful. You can already say that with a sample of 13 competitions.
After the Pöllölaakso era that lasted almost 30 years, Finnish formula fans had to learn to look for Valtteri Bottas and his partners’ driving in a new channel location.
A soft landing to the new one was provided by the broadcast template, which remained largely familiar. Most of the faces appearing in Viaplay’s F1 broadcasts were already familiar from Maikkar’s years.
However, the newest addition was the most diamond-like. Heikki Kovalainen, you have what it takes to become a new people’s favorite.
All of Viaplay’s F1 team experts deserve a commendable grade on their 2022 intermediate certificate. Toni Vilander and Ossi Oikarinen are still a great couple, although this year due to their other busyness, the duo has been in the studio very little.
Together with narrator Niki Juusela, they create an expert, yet veck-like atmosphere in the narration room and above all in the laundry section.
Both also know what they are talking about. It is naturally the most important task of an expert. When Oikarinen or Vilander speaks, it’s bad to argue back.
Expert Mikosta Salo works perfectly as an expert in the Finnish studio, and Häkkinen in the pits as a calm, analytical analyst of F1 drivers.
However, based on the previous couple of races, the limelight should be turned to Heikki Kovalainen. He is the biggest star of Viaplay’s F1 broadcasts.
The great hero of Kainuu and Suomussalmi has taken over his new role nicely. From the beginning of the season, Kovalai was still “learning the ropes” in the studio in his native Finland, but with the summer he has reached the pits.
And with that, he has blossomed.
Kovalainen has been an excellent addition to the commentary booth. He really exudes expertise and understanding of the ins and outs of driving. As expected from an F1 series race winner.
Heikki Kovalainen has been pure iron in his new job. PDO
In addition to the commentary booth, Kovalainen has been in his element in the formula pit. He knows and knows such persons who are guaranteed to provide valuable information and revelations about the inner circle of the sport.
If Kovalainen is this good with such little experience, what can we hope for when we gain more confidence and routine in television work?
In Hungary, Kovalainen was in great shape during the live interviews. It is a formula reporter’s college in terms of its challenge, but at its best it provides diamond content.
In the future, just boldly pull people by the sleeve.
As a passionate follower of formulas, I find small areas for improvement in Viaplay’s formula package.
In its broadcasts, F1TV offers “second screen events” if what happens on the track is outside the TV picture. From Viaplay, we would hope for something similar, for example, from Bottas’ onboard camera.
In F1TV’s broadcasts, you can watch an onboard picture of all the cars, only three from Viaplay. In addition, on mobile, switching between different offers should take place within the application (as in F1TV), not by going to the main menu. Small but important things.
Overall, however, Viaplay’s Finnish F1 package is fine.
But is it still worth 40 euros? I don’t warm to the idea.
My opinion has not changed since my February post. The price is acceptable if you think that in addition to the formulas, you can also get the NHL, Premier League, the World Cup of Winter Sports and of course what else. Not to mention movies and series.
But for a mere lover of formulas, the price is salty. When that F1TV is offered at a significantly cheaper price…
However, Viaplay has chosen its line. It does not sell bulk packages.
F1 is still the most excellent TV product. PDO