New Sky Sports F1 channelposted in F125 | 11 | 2011

WE ALL REMEMBER the hullabaloo when Sky Sports announced it will take on live coverage of the full Formula One season next year. Well today the satellite company announced it will launch a dedicated new channel, Sky Sports F1 HD.

From March next year, and the opening grand prix, in Melbourne, the channel will offer live coverage of every practice, qualifying session and race throughout the season. What's more, Sky Sports has also confirmed all grands prix will be broadcast without adverts.

And there's a host of other technical advances which will further enhance coverage. Through a selection of on-board cameras and race data, fans will be able to follow the on-track action in a way which has never been experienced before. Viewers will also be able to go behind the scenes with the teams along the pit lane.

Existing Sky Sports 1 and 2 or Sky HD subscribers will get access to the channel at no extra cost, and viewers will also be available to view the action online and through mobile and tablet devices via Sky Go.

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"Formula 1 followers are hungry for more and we want to give them the ultimate experience," Barney Francis, Managing Director of Sky Sports, said today.

"It's not just every minute of every race but a channel devoted to Formula 1. We can now tell the whole story of the season, from every grand prix, from start to finish. Formula 1 will get the full Sky Sports treatment.

"We have big plans for live shows and a rich line-up of Formula 1 programmes; getting to the drivers, exploring the technology and lapping up the drama.

"With a dedicated channel for Formula 1 we can also give all sports fans the depth and breadth of sports they demand every weekend, right through the year."

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Jim McGill