BBC/Sky to split F1posted in F129 | 07 | 2011
SCOTTISH FORMULA ONE fans, and followers of Bathgate's Paul di Resta, will have to cope with half of the 2012 calendar being taken off free-to-air television after BBC confirmed a new TV partnership with Sky Sports.
While Sky Sports will broadcast all grands prix, qualifying and practice sessions, the BBC will only transmit half the races live across the UK. The new, controversial arrangement runs from 2012 to 2018.
Sky though was quick to confirm it will not run adverts during its race broadcasts, instead limiting them to pre- and post-race shows. As all F1 fans know, adverts became hugely unpopular during ITV's coverage when a number of key moments were missed while ads were shown.
In something of a poor sop, the BBC will continue to show highlights of the races it is not covering live; Radio 5 Live will continue to cover all rounds live. The grands prix at Monaco and Silverstone, plus the season finale, are on the list to be broadcast live on BBC TV.
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"We are absolutely delighted that F1 will remain on the BBC," BBC Sport director Barbara Slater said. "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."
The BBC had a deal to exclusively broadcast F1 in the UK until the end of 2013, but the company had been under pressure to reduce costs. Not surprisingly, Sky Sports' managing director Barney Francis is delighted to get F1.
"This is fantastic news for F1 fans and Sky Sports will be the only place to follow every race live and in HD," Francis said. "We will give F1 the full Sky Sports treatment with a commitment to each race never seen before on UK television."
Sky also confirmed it will not operate a 'pay-per-view' option for individual races, meaning F1 fans will have to stump up £31.95 per month to purchase a Sky Sports package.
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Craig James