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.
13-Mar-08: Super Aguri May Not Be Called So Forever
This is F1 Minute for the 13th March.
Last night, chief of the Magma group Martin Leach spoke to Super Aguri staff in Melbourne about the team’s future. Already, speculation is mounting about the future of Managing Director Daniel Audetto who hasn’t missed a Super Aguri race yet, but is not present in Australia. It’s also believed that before the Monaco Grand Prix, the team will be rebranded and given a new colour scheme, and they may even end up with a new name.
Anthony Davidson has admitted that although he is relieved to have a confirmed race drive and actually be in Melbourne, at the moment he feels the team are just there to make up the numbers. Of Free Practice, Davidson says: “ We will probably be able to get about 25-30 laps in in total tomorrow, so that makes it harder still on us.”
Finally, ITV have announced they’ve secured the rights to show the practice sessions online, and broadcast qualifying and the race via their website at the same time as on the TV. It looks like this is only available in the UK at the moment, but it’s a step in the right direction.
That’s all for today, join me tomorrow for another F1 Minute.