- The Pits
Sky launch dedicated F1 channel, BBC names its 10 races
Sky Sports will cover Formula One in the UK in 2012 by way of a new dedicated channel: Sky Sports F1 HD.
Sky agreed a deal to broadcast every race from next season back in July, with the move angering British fans used to Formula One being available on free-to-air television. While the BBC will show live coverage of only 10 races (see below) as it scales back its coverage, Sky Sports' managing director Barney Francis says that the new channel - to be launched in March - will allow it to cover the sport in its full depth.
"Formula 1 followers are hungry for more and we want to give them the ultimate experience. It's not just every minute of every race but a channel devoted to Formula 1," Francis said. "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."
On the same day the BBC revealed some of its plans for 2012, revealing it would show the following races and qualifying sessions live: China (15 April), Spain (13 May), Monaco (27 May), Europe (24 June), Britain (8 July), Belgium (2 September), Singapore (23 September), Korea (14 October), Abu Dhabi (4 November) and Brazil (25 November).
Neither broadcaster has named its commentary teams, although the BBC said its coverage would be "as extensive as ever" and it would continue with its popular post-race F1 Forum.
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
