Sky Sports and BBC to show Formula 1
The BBC and Sky Sports will broadcast Formula 1 in the UK between 2012 and 2018, under a new rights deal signed by the two leading sports broadcasters.
Sky Sports will show every race, qualifying, and practice session live with half the races and qualifying sessions to remain live on BBC, including the British and Monaco Grand Prix, and the final race of the season.
The BBC has been the exclusive broadcaster of F1 in the UK since 2009 but its contract with Formula One Management was due to expire after the 2013 season.
Barbara Slater, Director of BBC Sport, said: "We are absolutely delighted that F1 will remain on the BBC. 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. "
Barney Francis, Managing Director of Sky Sports, said: "This is fantastic news for F1 fans and Sky Sports will be the only place to follow every race live and in HD. 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."
