20-Mar-08: BBC Secure F1 Rights From 2009
Hi everyone, it’s the 20th March and this is F1 Minute.
News that has made a lot of fans in the UK happy today, the BBC have secured the rights to broadcast F1 from 2009. The deal cuts short ITV’s current contract, and extends for five years including TV, radio, mobile and online deals. However, the move has been questioned by a Labour MP saying the sport is wealthy enough and doesn’t need BBC licence payer’s money.
In other contract news, Brazil track Interlagos has secured a deal to keep F1 until 2015. Supposedly organisers had to promise Bernie they would build a new pit complex and revamp the paddock and grandstands.
Part owner of Toro Rosso, Gerhard Berger, says he understands the decision to sell the team, but that he still wants to be involved, if possible. He says: “For me, it is not a question of making some money. My passion is racing. I want to stay in Formula One with the team.” He also said that Red Bull were his dream partner but he is supportive of the decision.
That’s all for today, please join me again tomorrow for another F1 Minute.
Tall Thom on Fri, 21st Mar 2008 03:17
Does this mean your dream job at ITV is now your dream job at BBC? How do you feel (as both a commentator and F1 fan) about the switch? Is Mr. Eccelstone just looking for more bucks?
Christine on Fri, 21st Mar 2008 05:57
Personally, Thom, I don’t really know.
I haven’t seen any coverage by the BBC, so I can’t judge it against ITV’s. People are saying that the actual coverage was not as good though, so this worries me slightly.
No adverts, however, is a dream come true, and the BBC can produce some quality stuff. So I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
We talk more about it here: http://www.sidepodcast.com/2008/03/20/uk-f1-coverage-returns-to-its-rightful-home/
What about you? Thoughts?
raj on Fri, 21st Mar 2008 10:48
In India, ESPN (or it’s partner -Star Sports) televise the F1 races and I very much like the commentator team they have - Steven Slater and Chris Goodwin, both are very good, Steven is fast & humorous while Chris Goodwin is a bit slow but very good with the technical and statistics part of the f1 races, they make a good team… but yes, ESPN does show a lot ads in between the live racing aargh! you guys sure are luck you’ll not be shown adverts now…