Thread: Formula 1 Returning to the BBC

Quite a surprising development that I sure never saw coming.

The BBC has secured the television rights to show Formula One in the UK from the 2009 season. The five-year deal for an undisclosed fee marks F1's return to BBC screens 12 years after it switched to ITV. The contract covers all platforms and will see F1 broadcast on the BBC Sport website, as well as on TV and radio. F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone said he was "delighted", adding: "The BBC has some innovative ideas to consolidate and expand our UK fan base."

Would they broadcast the GP's on the regular BBC channel or do they have some "BBC sport extra channel" ?

Originally Posted by Harakimi

Would they broadcast the GP's on the regular BBC channel or do they have some "BBC sport extra channel" ?

I would think given how high profile it is it would be on the main BBC channels.

Bring back Murray Walker!

Originally Posted by Ryan

I would think given how high profile it is it would be on the main BBC channels.

Ok now thats good news! BBC is free on cable network in Finland, where it costs now 10 euros per month (and soon 15) to get the channel that broadcasts F1 GP's live. I wonder how they respond to this.

Originally Posted by JoStream

Does this mean ITV will lose coverage rights 2009 onwards?

Yes, it does.

Originally Posted by JoStream

Well that means that James Allen and Martin Brundle will be out of a job, unless the BBC hires them

They will.

12 years ago BBC lost the F1 to ITV. ITV brought Murray Walker with them, although Johnathan Palmer was dropped in favour of Brundle.

The commentators started to get on my nerves, I would love it if Murray Walker came back and did the commentating.