BBC Radio 1's Greg James is to turn the heat up on the weekly chart race for Number 1, through the launch of the first ever midweek Official Chart Update.

The Official Chart Update – a brand new weekly bulletin which Radio 1 is launching with the Official Charts Company – will begin on Wednesday 10 March. It will become the focus of Greg's show every Wednesday afternoon between 3.30 and 4.00pm.

Greg will reveal how the runners and riders are selling in the first few days of the week, outlining the hottest new tracks of the week so far, as well as the new entries and highest climbers – building the suspense ahead of the Official Singles Chart and Albums Chart which are revealed in The Chart Show with Reggie Yates on Radio 1 every Sunday from 4.00-7.00pm.

The update will be based on the "Sales Flashes" which are already circulated by the Official Charts Company to the music industry on Wednesday mornings.

George Ergatoudis, Head of Music, BBC Radio 1, says: "I've no doubt the Official Chart Update will encourage fans to go out and support their favourite acts, because for the first time they'll really be able to really see the difference they make in the weekly chart battle and then tune in on Sundays to find out who has won."

Martin Talbot, Managing Director of the Official Charts Company, says: "The launch of this Official Chart Update will mean that, for the first time, music fans will get a reliable insight into how the race for number one is shaping up, ahead of the announcement of the weekly Official Singles and Albums Charts on Radio 1 every Sunday. It will bring the chart to music fans across the country throughout the week."

Greg James, adds: "Listeners care about who is number one each week, so I'm really excited to be presenting the Official Chart Update. It's great that the chart also has a home in the middle of the week on Radio 1."

Radio 1 and The Official Charts Company will publish the full singles and album updates online at www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/chart and updates will also be made available for use by The Official Charts Company to other licencees.