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Formula One to return to BBC TV

Formula One
by Andrew Benson (U1647787) 20 March 2008
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The BBC has secured the television rights to show Formula One in the UK from the 2009 season.

The five-year deal marks the return of the sport to BBC screens 12 years after ITV began broadcasting Grands Prix.

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone said: "I am delighted to conclude this new deal with the BBC.

"It is an exciting time in Formula One and the BBC has some innovative new ideas to consolidate and expand our UK fan base."

The deal covers all platforms and will see F1 broadcast on the BBC Sport website, as well as on TV and radio.

Let us know what you think about F1 returning to the BBC.

Latest 10 comments

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posted Jan 28, 2009

I have missed the sound track I enjoyed hearing
at the begining of the F1 broadcast of every race on bbc 1.Now it's back were it belongs on the bbc, I feel ebullient, can't wait for the start of this 2009 season God Bless.

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posted Mar 14, 2009

Anyone know where you can get the bbc music as a ringtone?

Cheers

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posted Mar 18, 2009

As a confirmed hater of commercials, the news that F1 is returning to the BBC was fantastic news. From the moment F1 moved to ITV, I was miserable, and no amount of pre or post-race breakdowns could make up for losing big chunks of the race to adverts. I even started a one-person boycott of the products advertised during races. But the end result was that I hated the commercials so much that I gradually stopped watching F1 altogether - even during Lewis's great year last season. But now I know that I my favourite sport will be totally uninterrupted by ads for car inurance, injury claims, bank loans, the AA and sales at DFS, I can happily look forward to the 2009 season. And if that's not enough, we have the fabulous Murray Walker back where he belongs; David Coulthard (I heard he was going to be commentating - if that's true, then great) and the incredible Fleetwood Mac music that is - without doubt - THE anthem tune of F1.

The fact is, no one does sport as well as the BBC does and F1 is the greatest sport in the world. These two things deserve to be partnered together.

I'm happy! biggrin

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posted Mar 24, 2009

Very glad to see F1 coverage rights returned to the BBC and like many others, I am looking forward to watching it. The return of The Chain as the title theme is great news, really does capture the anticipation and excitement on the starting grid.

I did wonder if, for the first race of the season alone, Led Zeppelin's Bring It On Home might be more appropriate. The slow lumbering blues with its harmonica lead transition into a typically rocking and racey melody could make for a perfect addition to a pre or post race clip highlights.

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posted Mar 27, 2009

Come on Hamilton!!!!!!!!!!!

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posted Mar 28, 2009

Well after some of the complains about the coverage of F1 on ITV what was it like for you on its return to the BBC! I have just watched the Qualifying Session and I have to say it was like trying to eat a bowl of cold soggy rice pudding. Whoever thought of using Jonathan Legard and Jake Humphrey as commentator and presenter of this sport aught to be made to eat the said cold, soggy rice pudding for the rest of their life. I know this was the first show but they were dire and as someone who was apoplectic when ITV took F1 away from the BBC I am not a happy bunny right now. Martin Brundle as always is the shows saviour, David Coultard did very well and will make an excellant pundit. Why not have Eddie Jordon as the host presentor, make Martin the main commentator with another retired F! driver to co-commentate with him. First impressions of this team could well mean that after 20+ years of watch F1 I may find something else to watch instead.

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posted Mar 29, 2009

These comments are 100% correct and after watching the first presentation by the BBC the commentary was dis jointed as was the photography which was bouncing from one situation to another. I have watched F1 on ITV for years and the comments made above say it all and hopefully by the next event Johnathan & Jake will be long gone. At least have people who know about F1 present it and also sack the head of the camera production team.
Totally in proffesional and very very boring!

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comment by OldBoy (U1666976)

posted Mar 29, 2009

Well I am afraid I disagree - I found the general balance of presentation better, they covered technical issues well. Jonathan Legard did ok in my view - he came across as informed and interested. That quali coverage will probably be the hardest thing he ever commentates on with the situation changing virtually by the second and no one with a clue what to realistically expect.

F1WOODIE - "and also sack the head of the camera production team. Totally in proffesional and very very boring!"

That should be directed to FOM as it is there expert presentation team who produce the TV coverage. The BBC, like ITV before them - and every other station covering the race, simply put their own commentary over the "official" feed.

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posted Mar 19, 2010

2010 and we still enjoying good coverage from the BBC smiley

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comment by Paul C (U14773265)

posted Mar 11, 2011

McLaren will come good! Lewis and Jenson have just been trained to show little enthusiasm so others don't steal the MP4 26's ingenious set-up! McLaren 1-2 in Oz!

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