Friday, 30 September 2022

Broadband TV News: Sky renews Formula 1 rights across markets

Story from Broadband TV News:

Formula 1 will remain on Sky in the UK and Ireland until 2029 with Sky Italia and Sky Deutschland, Austria and Switzerland retaining rights until the end of 2027.

In an extension to the current deal there will be exclusive live coverage of all races, qualifying and practice sessions on Sky Sports F1, available on Sky, NOW and WOW with live home nation races and highlights of all other races to be shared on free-to-air. Sky Italia and Sky Deutschland benefit from greater exclusivity.

Ultra HD coverage will be available on Sky Q and Sky Glass.

Sky coverage featuring Martin Brundle, Jenson Button, Natalie Pinkham and Simon Lazenby is also distributed internationally. Fans can take control of how they follow the action through an improved multi-screen and second-screen option, tracking their favourite driver’s position on the circuit or selecting a driver’s on-board camera.

Stephen van Rooyen, Executive Vice President & CEO, Sky UK & Europe, said: “Every race. Every moment. Every twist and turn. All exclusively live on Sky for years to come! Formula 1 continues to break records on Sky, with millions more watching than ever before across our markets, driven by new younger and female fans which is fantastic for the sport. More than 80 countries will continue to enjoy our world class analysis and content of one of the most exhilarating sports in the world.”

In the UK average viewership for the 2022 season is 1.7 million, up 60% since the UK exclusive deal began in 2019, including 4.3m new viewers to Sky Sports F1.

Average viewership in Italy so far this season is 1.5 million, up 20% compared to 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in March was the most watched GP in Italian pay-TV history, recording 1.937 million viewers. German audiences have also climbed by 24%.

“Sky not only brings fans live coverage but a range of behind-the-scenes access and content that brings F1 to life. We are hugely excited about the future of the partnership and the journey of Formula 1,” said Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1.

Formula 1’s own streaming service, F1 TV, is now available in 118 territories, with F1 TV Pro offering live streaming in six languages in 85 territories.

In July, Canal+ renewed its coverage for the French market through to 2029.

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