29/07/2011
NEWS STORY
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BBC TV and Sky Sports have revealed that they have been awarded the live rights to Formula 1 between 2012 and 2018.
In a press release issued this morning, it is claimed the move will bring "increased choice, innovation and breadth of coverage to UK and Irish motor racing fans".
It reads:
"The two leading UK sports broadcasters will offer fans unparalleled live High Definition coverage of every race of the season.
The broadcasting partnership will include:
All races, qualifying and practice sessions live on Sky Sports across TV, Online and Mobile and Tablet devices
Half the races and qualifying sessions remain live on BBC TV, Online and Mobile including key races such at the British Grand Prix, Monaco Grand Prix and the final race of the season.
Extensive BBC highlights on TV, Online and Mobile, of all races and qualifying sessions that BBC is not covering live
Build up coverage of each Grand Prix on BBC News, Sky Sports News and Sky News
Extensive multi platform coverage including red button, bbc.co.uk/sport and skysports.com
The audiences brought by Sky and BBC will ensure Formula 1 reaches the widest possible audience. BBC Radio Five and Sports Extra will continue to cover every race live.
"We are absolutely delighted that F1 will remain on the BBC," said Barbara Slater, Director of BBC Sport. "The sport has never been more popular with TV audiences at a 10 year high and the BBC has always stated its commitment to the big national sporting moments. With this new deal not only have we delivered significant savings but we have also ensured that through our live and extended highlights coverage all the action continues to be available to licence fee payers. "
"This is fantastic news for F1 fans and Sky Sports will be the only place to follow every race live and in HD," added Barney Francis, Managing Director of Sky Sports. "We will give F1 the full Sky Sports treatment with a commitment to each race never seen before on UK television. As well as unrivalled build up to each race on Sky Sports News, we will broadcast in-depth live coverage of every session. Sky customers with Sky Sports will also be able to enjoy F1 across multiple platforms and devices, including Sky Go."
It remains to be seen how British TV fans will react now that they will need to pay for Sky Sports on top of the BBC tv licence. However, initial comments are not positive, far from it.
It's worth noting that if there are an odd number of races in the season - as is happening this year - the final selection will be screened exclusively live by Sky Sports.