Ziggo Sport has officially launched the racing season for 2025 with the introduction of fresh faces for its popular television program, Ziggo Sport Race Café. Following much speculation, the sports channel revealed its new hosting duo, actor and presenter Chris Zegers and influencer Shelly Sterk, who will lead discussions at the café’s roundtable this season.
Chris Zegers, well-known from the show "3 op Reis" and as a passionate motorsport enthusiast, brings personal racing experience to the table, having participated in the Dakar Rally back in 2011. He also keeps a close eye on motorsport events, particularly MotoGP, one of the racing series broadcasted by Ziggo Sport. “After being a guest at Ziggo Sport Race Café numerous times, it’s delightful to now sit at the table as host. Expressing my love for motorsport is a dream fulfilled,” Zegers expressed excitedly about his new role, adding, “I’m eager for this adventure and the exciting new season!”
Meanwhile, Shelly Sterk, recognized for her work on programs such as "RTL Boulevard," "Galileo," and "Shownieuws," also has years of experience following motorsport closely. She will merge her journalistic expertise and passion as she provides viewers with insightful narratives behind the sport. “I’m looking forward to this new adventure at Ziggo Sport,” Sterk stated. “Combining my love for Formula 1 with the fun of live television is going to be quite the celebration.”
Adding to the excitement, former F1 driver Robert Doornbos will still play a significant role at Ziggo Sport Race Café, remaining involved from his new home base in Dubai. He will deliver insights on Formula 1 from various locations and join the table occasionally at the Ziggo Sport studio. The program will also see the return of familiar table guests like Olav Mol, Jack Plooij, Renger van der Zande, and Rob van Gameren, who will share their perspectives on the latest developments in motorsport.
Rick Winkelman and René Hoogterp will keep viewers updated on American racing competitions, including NASCAR and IndyCar, with MotoGP legend Wilco Zeelenberg joining as a new guest at the table. The café promises to feature not just drivers and former racers, but also top athletes and well-known personalities, making it rich with diverse viewpoints.
The Ziggo Sport Race Café airs every Friday at 10:30 PM on Ziggo Sport (channel 14 for Ziggo customers), and it is also available through the Ziggo GO app and Ziggo Sport Totaal app. Fans can look forward to exclusive coverage of the GT World Challenge and other GT races on Ziggo Sport 3 via the same platforms.
Ziggo Sport made clear its intentions to present the new Race Café with renewed vigor after facing challenges in the motorsport broadcasting arena. Following the loss of Formula 1 broadcasting rights to Viaplay at the end of 2021, which impacted the network significantly, Ziggo Sport aims to breathe life back to its motorsport programming. Previously, the channel featured popular duos like Olav Mol and Jack Plooij, with Rob Kamphues as the face of the show and Robert Doornbos serving as the analyst.
Kamphues has moved on to Viaplay, where he will host a similar program, leaving behind Giggo’s Race Café without the single leadership position he held. Despite the initial retention of familiar hosts after losing the rights, changes were inevitable, leading to the departure of Kamphues and the recent moves by Doornbos to Dubai. Nevertheless, this week, Doornbos announced he would still participate actively with Ziggo Sport, completing the transition to the new format.
The newly appointed presenters Zegers and Sterk will fill Kamphues’s role, both of whom have previously appeared on shows focused on Formula 1. Their extensive knowledge and enthusiasm for motorsport will drive the new season. How well they will manage to spark the same excitement without being able to show Formula 1 footage—now exclusive to Viaplay—remains to be seen. This adjustment presents both challenges and opportunities as they strive to rejuvenate their audience’s interest.
Fans await to see how this new mix will impact viewership and conversations surrounding the thrilling world of motorsport. With seasoned experts from the industry and new faces at the helm, this season could mark a pivotal moment for Ziggo Sport’s Race Café as it looks to regain its footing and tantalize motorsport enthusiasts once more.