Formula E world feed globally distributed by RR Media
The inaugural Formula E Grand Prix took place on Saturday in Beijing with RR Media providing all equipment and oversight of the links that distributed the world feed to broadcasters including Fox Sports and BT Sport.
The one-year deal for all ten races with Formula E Holdings, part of the FIA, is the first time the Isreali-based global digital services supplier has worked in motorsport.
From the circuit in China, RR Media provides three uplink facilities to deliver the world feed using satellite and fibre distribution throughout Asia, North and South America and Europe.
In addition, it is providing a custom solution to Fox Sports “which will allow the broadcaster to personalise its service,” says Luca Marinoni, head of sports and live events Europe for RR Media.
Aurora Media Worldwide (AMW) hold a multi-year contract with Formula E Holdings to be the host broadcaster and media partner for the FIA Formula E Championship.
Formed by Lawrence Duffy in 2012 with offices in London, Melbourne and Bangkok, AMW includes motorsport director Westbury Gillett and producer Mike Scott.
AMW will provide behind the scenes pre-race build-up to podium celebrations using fixed, RF and on-board cameras, 3D and 2D graphics, split screen coverage, pit lane and car change action, and fan reactions.
The single-seater championship using electric race cars will compete in ten cities – including London and Miami – with 10 teams, each with two drivers.
Broadcasters signed to take the world feed include Fox Sports, BT Sport, France’s Canal+ and Japan’s TV Asahi. ITV will screen a 90-minute standalone programme on ITV4, together with coverage via the channel’s online and mobile platforms.
China’s CCTV-5 will televise all 10 races in full together with a regular highlights package. Sky Deutschland will broadcast all races live and include half an hour of pre-coverage and 15 minutes of post-race analysis.
RR Media currently operates under the corporate name of RRsat Global Communications Network Ltd. The company is in the process of rebranding to RR Media which is scheduled to be completed next month.