Canal Plus takes F1 rights

Canal Plus has acquired exclusive rights to the Formula 1 motor racing series.

The French premium pay TV operator has taken rights to all of the races in the 2013 F1 Championship, which starts with the Australian Grand Prix on March 17 in Melbourne.

The F1 deal means Canal+ can transmit live coverage of races as well as practice sessions and wraparound magazine shows.

Canal Plus adds F1 to its roster of premium sports rights, which also include  the French football Ligue 1 championship, the Champions League, and the English Premier League.