A YORK singer-songwriter is to see his music move into the fast lane after it was chosen for a brand new channel’s coverage of Formula One.

Just Drive, a Top 40 hit for Alistair Griffin, will feature on the opening titles of Sky Sports F1 HD, a dedicated channel which will screen the first satellite coverage of Grands Prix from this month.

The track has been re-recorded to include the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra and young singers from the Berkshire-based Rodolfus Choir and will be used as the soundtrack for a 43-second opening sequence featuring footage of 32 races between 1950 and 2011.

Just Drive will follow in the musical footsteps of Fleetwood Mac’s The Chain and Moby’s Lift Me Up, which have been used to introduce F1 coverage on BBC and ITV respectively, and Alistair, from Strensall, said: “F1 was the inspiration behind it and I always hoped it would strike a chord with fans of motorsport.

“To have Sky Sports F1 HD take Just Drive as its theme tune is absolutely amazing. There is a history of anthemic songs associated with F1 and I would love Just Drive to become one of those songs.”

The channel’s producer Martin Turner said the track added to the “history and drama” of footage of past Grands Prix, saying: “it fits for both the modern and historic context of F1 and I’m sure our viewers will like it.”