F1 back on the BBC

[Suka]

The BBC wins rights to UK Formula One coverage

Formula One Administration Limited’s Chief Executive, Mr Bernie Ecclestone, announced on Thursday that UK Formula One coverage will return to the BBC in 2009, taking over from current rights holder, ITV.

“I am delighted to conclude this new deal with the BBC,” Bernie Ecclestone said. “I wish to thank ITV for their commitment to Formula One and the high quality of their coverage. It is an exciting time in Formula One and the BBC has some innovative new ideas to consolidate and expand our UK fan base.”

The BBC lost the rights to Formula One coverage at the end of the 1996 season, after which ITV took over.

Source: The Official F1 Website.

[Wouter Melissen]

Hopefully they broadcast it on BBC 1 or BBC 2, so we have a real alternative to the idiots that host it here.

[pimento]

I wonder what that means for the coverage here, our broadcasts were always leveraged off the ITV stream. Probably just a change of commentators really... if that.

[Matra et Alpine]

Probably just a change of commentators really... if that.

Let's hope so ... James Alan is a tw@t

[Jack_Bauer]

Seems a baffling decision from ITV to not fight to hold on to the broadcasting rights. They pumped millions into covering a sport that was dominated by a German, a Finn and a Spaniard with little British success. Now that we actually have a Brit with a damn good chance of winning it and sending their viewing figures through the roof, they drop it.

Let's just hope they bring back the Fleetwood Mac intro music - YouTube - Grand Prix Intro 1992

[Cotterik]

hmm will they still have the same coverage team? i rather like the current setup, but no adverts seems MIGHTY FINE to me!!

[torque55]

no comercials

[Suka]

Let's hope so ... James Alan is a tw@t

I approve this message...

[Jack_Bauer]

We can only hope that Allen is dropped, and frankly I think Ted Kravitz is even worse! If he got as much airtime throughout the weekend as Allen did I can guarantee that he'd be even MORE hated than Allen!

We need to keep Brundle though. He's been an absolute God-send in terms of ITV's coverage. Sign the petition here - Martin Brundle for BBC commentry Team 2009 - Online Petition

[Dantera22B]

ideally we would have Murray back, have to agree with the anti-allen statements, he does my head in. congrats to the bbc though hope they do a good job.

[VtecMini]

Does this count as an official victory for Stop the Cock then? I hope so!

My sister and brother in law know Martin Brundle. True fact.

[Kitdy]

In Canada, locals Vic Rauter and Gerald Donaldson cover the prerace, postrace and the Canadian GP and we get ITV coverage for the rest of the races; I quite enjoy Brundle's coverage.

[Zytek_Fan]

I like SpeedTV's coverage...

[Zytek_Fan]

Richard Hammond is being tipped for one of the commentator spots

F1: Hamster to front BBC F1 coverage?, motorsport news, results, features, teams, drivers, updates

[john14]

I read a story about Richard Hammond suffering from memory loss after the terrible accident he was involved in. Would this affect his ability to be a BBC F1 commentator or special comments man?