Formula 1 moves to Sky...

[The Nomad]

Well done Bernie, you money grabbing dwarf... For a man so hell bent on "Increasing the Global Interest in the Sport", you've just slashed the audience viewing figures by a massive amount in this deal.

The BBC and Sky Sports will broadcast Formula 1 in the UK between 2012 and 2018 under a new rights deal.

The BBC has been the exclusive broadcaster of F1 in the UK since 2009 but its contract with Formula One Management was due to expire after the 2013 season.

Sky Sports will show every race, qualifying session and practice live.

BBC Sport will broadcast half the races live, as well as the qualifying and practice sessions from those races.

Both companies will broadcast in High Definition.

The BBC will have highlights on TV and mobile for any race it it is not showing live, and all races will be broadcast on BBC Radio 5 Live.

Barbara Slater, director of BBC Sport, said: "We are absolutely delighted that F1 will remain on the BBC.

"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."

Races shown live on BBC TV will include the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, the Monaco GP and the concluding race of the season.

Barney Francis, Managing Director of Sky Sports, said: "This is fantastic news for F1 fans and Sky Sports will be the only place to follow every race live and in HD.

"We will give F1 the full Sky Sports treatment with a commitment to each race never seen before on UK television."

 

[MomoWASright]

What a pile of bollocks. Why even bother just showing half the races?

The BBC has been part of the reason why F1 is at a 10 year high.

I remember sky's last attempt at F1 coverage. Even Martin bundle was leathering their presenters during his pit walks.

 

[Rouge Penguin]

Why doesn't Bernie just be honest, Sky filled his pockets with gold and gave the BBC the left overs so he didn't appear to be a complete cunt by making it pay tv.

The old contract didn't end until 2013 so what happened to 2012? Fuck the BBC and the licence

 

[Dylan]

This takes f1 to a new level. From next season, you'll be able to hear the driver - team radio discussions and listen in to the driver's voicemail messages.