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NEW
DELHI: ESPN Star Sports has renewed the rights to broadcast
Formula One races with Formula One Management (FOM).
The
new agreement awards the sports broadcaster exclusive rights
to broadcast the FIA Formula One World Championship for another
five years across multiple platforms in 24 Asian markets.
ESS
Asia MD Manu Sawhney says, “We are extremely delighted
to continue our 17-year strong partnership with Formula One
Management through this historic new agreement. ESS continues
to be committed to further popularise and build the sport
of motor racing amongst fans in Asia and we are very confident
that now with many new platforms and avenues including internet,
mobile and radio, F1 fans in Asia can look forward to the
most comprehensive and entertaining experience with us.”
In
addition to clinching the broadcast rights, the sports broadcaster
has also managed to grab the terrestrial rights in a number
of markets including Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and South
Korea.
ESPN has also grabbed the radio rights for the event and for
the first time F1 content will be made available on linear
and non-linear basis.
FOM
CEO Bernie Ecclestone says, “We are very pleased to have
reached this agreement extending our relationship with ESPN
Star Sports for a further five years. Formula One has enjoyed
unprecedented growth in popularity throughout Asia over the
last few years and we feel that this comprehensive new agreement
with ESS will help continue this trend.”
ESS
currently covers Formula One with live coverage of all 18
races alongwith pre and post-race presentations, Race Day
and Chequered Flag, which provide live reports, race analysis
and an insight into the people behind the high-speed action.
Hosted by Steve Dawson and Paula Malai Ali, both programmes
also feature prominent racing experts and leading motor sports
personalities.
Further
the sports broadcaster has extended its offerings through
its site www.espnstar.com, and its programme, Engine Block.
After
pocketing the rights including broadcast, internet, mobile
and radio in many markets, ESS will be soon announcing its
coverage plans of the event on all these platforms.
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