Gabrielle Richens - the New Face Of Formula 1?

Top British model and TV presenter Gabrielle Richens has been unveiled as a hot new face for Formula One following the launch of Sony Computer Entertainment's latest racing hit Formula One 2002 for PlayStation(R)2, which hits high streets nationwide today [Friday].

BTCC team West Surrey Racing, based in Sunbury, downed tools for the day to convert its motorsport workshop into a glamorous F1 set for the stunning photoshoot - an event which British trade and industry secretary Patricia Hewitt is most unlikely to endorse!

"F1 and PlayStation 2 fans should see it as some added spice in keeping with what is still the world's most glamorous sport," commented David Wilson, head of PR for the entertainment giant, "The game is true to Formula One and we wanted to pick up on its glamorous side. Gabrielle Richens was the natural choice to add that all-important allure."

Many will remember Jordan [real name Katie Price] spiralled to fame as the face behind the Jordan F1 team in 1999, so could Gabrielle be the next face to transform the world's most glamorous sport?

"The launch of the Formula One 2002 PlayStation2 game has given me a fantastic opportunity to align myself to the sexy world of Formula One," the model admitted, "As a guest at this year's Monaco Grand Prix, I got a taste for the incredibly seductive F1 lifestyle, and I'm looking forward to having plenty of opportunities to be involved in the sport in the near future."

'Proof that Britain can do Jennifer Lopez bigger, ballsier, and better! Heart stoppingly gorgeous' was how Maxim magazine described Richens, who, this autumn, will set screens alight presenting 3001: A Sex Oddity on the Bravo satellite channel. She has also presented ITV1's Dial A Date, and the action packed Channel 5 game show Desert Forges.

The British public recently voted Kent-born Gabrielle, who started her career as a successful model with Elite Models in campaigns for Diesel, Virgin Atlantic and Pepsi, as the fifth 'hottest starlet in the world'. After a spell in Australia, where she built a successful career as a television presenter and caused hundreds of Aussies males to fall in love with her, she reached star status as Australia's answer to Davina McCall, presenting two series of Love Rules - the antipodean version of the UK's Streetmate - and Total Sport, both on Channel 10. The English beauty quickly became a major celebrity and pin-up appearing on the cover of all the magazines, and was voted third 'sexiest woman on the planet' by FHM magazine.

Richens has now returned to English shores where she is setting British hearts alight with her sultry dolce vita looks and down to earth attitude. She will make her acting debut this winter with special guest appearances in the new Sky One TV drama Mile High, and the BAFTA nominated Paul Whitehouse series Happiness.

Formula One 2002's official FIA licence means the game features every team, driver and car livery, as well as new track alterations from the 2002 FIA Formula One World Championship season. The result means that motorsport fans worldwide can grab the wheel from their millionaire heroes to experience all the thrills, spills and glamour of the Formula One first hand - at least until the drivers are back on the grid in Melbourne next February!

Game Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment EuropeRelease date: Friday 1 November 2002RRP: ?39.99