BSkyB launching dedicated F1 channel
 


BSkyB is launching a dedicated Formula 1 auto racing channel. UK pay TV operator won rights to the racing series earlier this year in a deal that runs from 2012 to 2018.

Sky Sports F1 HD will show every race live, practice and qualifying sessions and various wraparound programming and interactive services giving statistics and information about the races, teams and drivers. The channel will be free for subscribers signed up to Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports 2 or the pay TV operator’s HD package.

Sky will share the rights with UK public broadcaster the BBC under the terms of a deal inked in July. Sky will show all Grand Prix live and qualifying and practice sessions while the BBC will show half of the live races and qualifying and practice.

“This is another example of the value we are creating for customers through our content leadership. It follows the recent launch of other high-quality new channels like Sky Atlantic and Sky 3D as well as our growing commitment to UK original content in areas such as drama, comedy and the arts,” said Sky CEO, Jeremy Darroch. “It will give even more value to Sky customers and create another reason for others to consider pay TV.”