BBC Announces F1 Broadcasting Plans

The BBC has confirmed that it will broadcast Formula 1 practice sessions from the Grand Prix races it is covering this season, as part of its overall F1 package this year. 

The practice sessions will be shown on BBC Two and BBC Two HD, with Gary Anderson working across the channels TV coverage as a technical analyst as well as on radio and online, while Allan McNish, former F1 driver, will also be joining BBC Radio 5 live as an analyst.

Last year’s presenter Jake Humphrey, who left the BBC to join the upcoming BT Sport channel, will be replaced by Suzi Perry as the face of the TV coverage, while David Coulthard and Eddie Jordan remain part of the presenting team.

BBC One and BBC One HD are set to broadcast nine races this season, including the Grand Prixs in Great Britiain, Brazil and Canada, while also providing extended highlights of the rest of the F1 races.

BBC’s head of Formula 1, Ben Gallop, commented: ‘Everyone on the BBC team is hugely excited about the new season. Last year saw us rise to the challenge of bringing the action to fans through the mix of live television and highlights, delivering great programmes which were reflected in impressive audience figures.’

Gallop added: ‘This year sees new faces, practice on BBC Two & HD on live race weekends and a greater sharing of talent across BBC television, radio and online. With Suzi Perry at the helm, we’re aiming to bring even more content, insight and access to audiences throughout the season.’

Coverage of F1 will also be available on BBC Sport’s smartphone app, giving fans video coverage throughout the seasons as well as stats and further features.

BBC lost many of the race schedule in 2011 after a deal it was announced that the terrestrial broadcaster and Sky Sports would share live rights to Formula 1 between 2012 and 2018 – with every race shown in live High Definition on Sky Sports, and half the races and qualifying sessions remaining on BBC.