The BBC wants to revolutionize F1 on the small screen

The British television channel BBC promised in a press release this weekend to completely revolutionize the broadcasting of Formula 1 in Great Britain starting in 2009.

The rights to Formula 1 have been entirely bought by the international channel for 2008. This is the first season in 12 years that the British will be able to watch the Grand Prix on the BBC.

For this reappearance on public channel, the BBC has promised to put all means into action to give another dimension to this sport. To achieve this, the latest high-tech methods will be used. The BBC indeed plans to broadcast all the Grand Prix and some qualifications, but also to make the free practice sessions available online and on mobile phones during each GP weekend. The channel also plans to broadcast the Grand Prix in high definition as often as possible.

Dominic Coles, the director of BBC Sport, told the ‘Times’: « Our goal is to watch F1 anywhere, anytime, and anyhow! »

The commentator on ITV and former Formula 1 driver; Murray Walker, expressed his surprise that the BBC had obtained the rights to cover F1 in 2009: « Well. I am absolutely [shocked] to see that the F1 rights have changed channels. ITV had a 5-year contract with the FIA and they still had three years left. »

« I find it difficult to understand how they managed to switch from one channel to another… but ultimately it’s not too bad, especially for people who couldn’t stand seeing F1 interrupted by commercials… it’s going to be a big plus. »

The TF1/Eurosport group, the leading European television channel, already holds significant rights in Formula 1 and broadcasts all the Formula 1 Grand Prix between the two of them, already aired in high definition when local facilities allow it. However, Eurosport, like TF1, remain private channels.