Sky to launch dedicated F1 channel

Sky Sports is upping the ante for broadcasters all over Europe by planning an entire, dedicated Formula One channel when it starts broadcasting the series in March 2012, operating advert free (during races at least) on TV, online and mobile.

As well as showing every race live in HD (the BBC will be co-broadcasting half of the season), the broadcaster is also planning on screening every practice and qualifying session on the new channel, as well as interviews, archive action and weekly magazine shows. The new channel also promises to screen extra live content via Sky’s interactive service, allowing access to more onboard cameras, race data and so on.

Named Sky Sports F1 HD, the dedicated channel will be provided at no extra charge to all Sky TV customers who take both Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports 2 or the HD pack of channels. Sky Sports viewers without the Sky+HD pack will receive a standard definition version, while it will also be listed on Sky’s Sky Go mobile/tablet service.

Announcing the new channel, Barney Francis, Managing Director of Sky Sports, said: “Formula 1 followers are hungry for more and we want to give them the ultimate experience. Its not just every minute of every race but a channel devoted to Formula 1.

He continued: “We can now tell the whole story of the season, from every Grand Prix, from start to finish. Formula 1 will get the full Sky Sports treatment. We have big plans for live shows and a rich line-up of Formula 1 programmes; getting to the drivers, exploring the technology and lapping up the drama. With a dedicated channel for Formula 1 we can also give all sports fans the depth and breadth of sports they demand every weekend, right through the year.”

Jeremy Darroch, Sky’s Chief Executive, added: “This brand new channel again proves Sky’s commitment to investing in the best content for customers. It will give even more value to Sky customers and create another reason for others to consider pay TV. This is another example of the value we are creating for customers through our content leadership.”