Discovery Networks International Puts Viewers in the Passengers Seat for Daring World Record Attempt in WORLD'S TOUGHEST DRIVE

-- Co-production with Discovery Channel US Follows Adventurers as They Race to the South Pole in Record Time --

(Silver Spring, Md. ) Discovery Networks International (DNI) today announced WORLD'S TOUGHEST DRIVE, a special from Raw TV and co-production with Discovery Channel US. The special, to air as a two-part series internationally and as a one-hour standalone in the US, follows three men as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime, as they attempt to break the world record for the fastest over land journey to the South Pole. WORLD'S TOUGHEST DRIVE will premiere on Discovery Channel globally, in 210 countries and reaching 400 million households, beginning in Spring 2012.

"WORLD'S TOUGHEST DRIVE truly captures the passion and tenacity it takes as these modern day pioneers put it all on the line to make history," says Elizabeth McIntyre, Vice President, Head of Production & Development, Factual for Discovery Networks International (Western Europe). "Not only does WORLD'S TOUGHEST DRIVE showcase the personal stories and dreams of each team member, the special provides our global audience with a behind the scenes look at the technology backing their daring journey."

"This unique expedition required a completely new way of filming the action, using cutting edge technology in the most extreme conditions on earth. The result is truly a first for adventure television," said Dimitri Doganis, Managing Director, Raw Television.

WORLD'S TOUGHEST DRIVE is set in the sub-zero temperatures of the Antarctic that can reach -89 degrees Celsius. The team races across the ice in treacherous conditions at speeds of up to 80 miles per hour to challenge the Guinness World Record of 2 days, 21 hours and 21 minutes for the fastest overland journey to the South Pole. Their endeavour, sponsored by Thomson Reuters, marks the 100 year anniversary of the first successful expedition to reach the South Pole led by Roald Amundsen in December 1911.

The three-man crew includes polar expedition leader and current record holder Jason de Carteret, design engineer specialist Kieron Bradley and Jason Thomas "JT", a Canadian copy writer who won his place on the expedition through a Thomson Reuters competition. The fourth member of the team is 'Polar', a revolutionary concept vehicle specifically custom modified for this quest. She has been jacked up to run on massive 44-inch tires, has a supercharged V6 engine running on bio fuel, double wishbone suspension, a metre long bar fitted on her front designed to stop her falling into crevasses and a reinforced survival cell built into her cab.

"Antarctica is one of the world's last pristine environments. It can be both stunningly beautiful and very brutal at the same time. With every visit I make to this continent I never cease to be amazed by it, you really are dealing with conditions that can quickly flip you to the very edge of human survival. With the Thomson Reuters South Pole Expedition, we were looking to prove the use of green fuels and technologies in the harshest of conditions. This journey was about testing the limits of technology innovation and demonstrating a more sustainable way of exploring extreme environments. We wanted to minimize environmental impact while at same time pushing the boundaries of what has been thought possible in terms of land speed," said Jason de Carteret.

With exclusive access, WORLD'S TOUGHEST DRIVE examines the mechanics, engineering and technology of the car. The experience of the team members is monitored throughout, with state of the art camera equipment allowing viewers to understand exactly how the extreme conditions and obstacles along the way are affecting the record-breaking attempt. Once the expedition begins, the engine will not be turned off until they reach the South Pole. With no support vehicle, the three men will rely solely on Polar-and each other-to cross dangerous ice bridges, make running repairs, and navigate white outs in an epic attempt to make history.

WORLD'S TOUGHEST DRIVE is commissionedby Elizabeth McIntyre for Discovery Networks International, series produced by Sophie Todd for RAW TV and executive produced by Louise Norman for RAW TV.

About Discovery Communications

Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world's #1 nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over 200 countries and territories. Discovery is dedicated to satisfying curiosity through more than 140 worldwide television networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science and Investigation Discovery, as well as US joint venture networks OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, The Hub and 3net, the first 24-hour 3D network. Discovery also is a leading provider of educational products and services to schools and owns and operates a diversified portfolio of digital media services, including HowStuffWorks.com. Discovery Networks International distributes 26 international brands, reaching over one billion cumulative subscribers with programming available in 45 languages. For more information please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.