Formula One rights 'wanted by Channel 4'

[FiB3R]

The Beeb will fight tooth and nail to keep F1. I'm personally not really into F1, but everyone who I know who likes it can't say enough good things about the Beeb coverage.

They should, but apparently they wont be...

Last weekend, the Sunday Times reported a senior source at the BBC as saying that the corporation will not extend its current five-year deal to cover F1, which is worth an estimated ?40 million a year and runs until the end of the 2013 season.

The newspaper claimed that the BBC feels the money spent on F1 would be better used elsewhere, as it attempts to slash its budget by 20% under the new licence fee settlement.

[Rappy Veteran]

The Beeb will fight tooth and nail to keep F1. I'm personally not really into F1, but everyone who I know who likes it can't say enough good things about the Beeb coverage.

if they were Channel 4 wouldn't have a look in but as the user above posted they want to use their money elsewhere

[Zoom7000]

It simply has to stay on the BBC for the following reasons in addition to the fantastic coverage:

1) FP1, FP2 and FP3 all available Online/Red Button - Wouldn't happen under Channel 4 as they don't have Red Button frequency or live video on their website.

2) F1 Forum - Again, we wouldn't get the fantastic analysis that the BBC give because of the lack of Red Button.

3) Adverts - It was terrible under ITV and it'll be just as bad under Channel 4 just how much you miss during a race that occurs during an advert.

4) Channel 4 are just not known for their sports coverage. Sure they managed the Cricket and Football Italia once upon a time, but other than the boring horse racing, as far as I can remember, nothing else sports related has really ever been broadcast on Channel 4 - It just isn't a channel that does sport.

5) The Chain - Bernie joked that this is why they went back to the BBC, but let's face it, F1 coverage just isn't the same without it! :p

Please BBC, do not drop one of the best things you've got on the TV!

[Dan~]

Yup the adverts will ruin it. If they do habe it, then they should pretend the F1 is like football and only do the adverts every 45 mins. I'm sure ITV was like every 20 or so.

The thing I like with BBC, is that I can watch it an hour before the race and get into the mood, with adverts I could never get into the mood.