Superleague Formula is the fusion of the two of the world’s most popular sports – capturing the passion of football with the thrill and excitement of motor racing. The new concept kicked off in August 2008 with a field of V12-powered 750 horsepower single seater racecars bearing the colours of the world’s leading football teams. Superleague Formula is more than just a race, it provides a spectacular entertainment package for all the family at each event.

While other motor sports are dominated by technology, the spirit behind Superleague Formula is about feeling the pride and the passion … and getting closer to the action. Adding to Superleague Formula’s appeal is its unique Qualifying format, with a Reverse Grid in the second race and the Super Final –an exciting new innovation for 2009, introduced to produce a thrilling finale at four of the six race meetings.

The 'Super Final' consists of a special shoot-out consisting of 9 minutes racing plus 1 final lap. It is run immediately after Race 2 and features the top three finishers from both races. Points are not awarded but the Super Final will decide the overall ‘Weekend Winner’ and also the distribution of prize money. The winner will receive €100,000, the runner-up €70,000 and third place €40,000.

According to Superleague Formula President and CEO, Alex Andreu, "Our broadcast partners have done an exception job in promoting the championship and taking our unique race format to a global audience. Our research demonstrated great enthusiasm for the concept by the fans. The reaction we have received from our broadcast partners has certainly quantified that research."

While Superleague Formula has attracted some of the biggest names in world football to the championship, SFTV, the television production division of the new series also recruited some of the main players in sports television production including Endemol Sport (Host Broadcaster), Cinevideo (Production Facilities), and Gigawave, who supplies the on-board camera and radio frequency (RF) systems.

Gigawave provides a turnkey operation to the organisers of Superleague, including a technical crew whose job it is to install and operate the on-board camera system. Superleague Formula cars are fitted with a F1 style external camera housing, which incorporates forward and rearward facing cameras. A third camera can also be installed to give a reverse POV shot of the driver. The entire system, including the cameras, is designed and built by Gigawave.

Gigawave also is responsible for the on-screen graphics. The latest version (left and right above) includes a new feature that shows the remaining 'Push to Passes' left by the driver (shown on the right hand side of the gear number). When a push to pass is active a flashing logo replaces the remaining number.

The on-board audio now contains a secondary channel that is used extensively during live broadcasts, this gives the viewer a third dimension to the on board images by incorporating a mix of driver audio derived from a microphone inside the drivers helmet and the pits radio signal received on the car as heard by the driver.