That will come as a blow to those fans who hoped to see full re-runs – McLaren
team principal Martin Whitmarsh claimed when the deal was first announced
this summer that the teams were promised full re-runs – as will the fact
that the BBC does not have the rights to the season-opening race in
Australia or the second race in Malaysia, allowing Sky quite a head-start.
The BBC will, however, have live coverage of Monaco, Great Britain and the
season finale in Brazil.
Contractually it was agreed between the BBC and Sky that announcements
regarding presenters and commentators could not be made until the season is
over.
The main talking point is likely to be Martin Brundle’s move from the BBC to
join 5Live’s David Croft in the Sky commentary box.
The capture of Brundle is a major coup for Sky Sports which is thought to need
roughly 150,000 new subscribers to offset the rights fee and production
budget spend.
The Rugby Club’s Simon Lazenby has been lined up to present Sky’s F1 coverage,
while Steve Rider will return to present a feature looking at past legends.
Nigel Mansell has reportedly been approached to take up a role as a pundit.
The BBC’s pit-lane reporter Ted Kravitz is also rumoured to be jumping ship to
Sky but Jake Humphrey confirmed on Friday he would be staying to present the
BBC coverage, while pundit David Coulthard is also contracted for one more
year.
The BBC confirmed that its presentation team will be at all the races,
including those that are not being broadcast live on BBC television.
All 20 grands prix will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 5 Live or 5 Live Sports
Extra.
The BBC’s 10 live races 15 April: China 13 May: Spain 27 May: Monaco 24 June:
Europe 8 July: Britain 2 September: Belgium 23 September: Singapore 14
October: Korea 4 November: Abu Dhabi 25 November: Brazil