Channel 4 replaces BBC in F1posted in F121 | 12 | 2015
THE BBC HAS terminated its Formula One TV coverage three years early. From 2016, terrestrial coverage will be supplied by Channel 4. As was the case with ITV, Channel 4 has committed to have ad-free coverage of the actual grands prix.
The BBC contract had been due to run through to the end of 2018, but the Corporation has been forced to make massive savings due to a £150m gap in its finances from next year. BBC Sport alone has been forced to save £35m, and the result is current BBC1 crew — Suzi Perry, David Coulthard and Eddie Jordan (pictured) — are all looking for new jobs.
Channel 4 will supplement Sky's full-season coverage by televising 10 grands prix live. The remainder will be shown as highlights.
"I am sorry the BBC could not comply with their contract," F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone said. "But I am happy we now have a broadcaster that can broadcast Formula 1 events without commercial intervals during the race.
"I am confident Channel 4 will achieve not only how the BBC carried out the broadcast in the past, but also with a new approach as the world and Formula 1 have moved on."
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ITV had been expected to regain the rights, but for Channel 4, covering F1 is something of a major coup.
"Formula One is one of the world's biggest sporting events with huge appeal to British audiences," Channel 4 chief executive, David Abraham, said.
"I'm delighted to have agreed this exciting new partnership with Bernie Ecclestone to keep the sport on free-to-air television."
"The current financial position of the BBC means some tough and unwanted choices have to be made," BBC director of Sport, Barbara Slater, said.
"A significant chunk of BBC Sport's savings target will be delivered through the immediate termination of our TV rights agreement for Formula 1.
"Any decision to have to stop broadcasting a particular sport or sporting event is hugely disappointing and taken reluctantly.
"There are no easy solutions; all of the options available would be unpopular with audiences.
"These are very challenging times for the BBC and sport is not immune to those financial pressures."
And while BBC Radio 5 Live has extended its commentary rights contract through to 2021, Channel 4 is delaying confirming details of its live grand prix schedule for 2016, and commentary team.
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Jim McGill