Speed Channel Acquires F1 TV Rights For 11th-Straight Year

F1 To Air On Speed Channel For 11th Consecutive Season

Speed Channel has inked a deal with F1 for ’06 that gives the net the TV rights to the series for the 11th consecutive season. Speed will air the entire F1 season, with at least 15 of the 19 races being live and exclusive. The net will also operate a live camera on the starting grid prior to each race for team interviews. Bob Varsha, David Hobbs and Steve Matchett will continue as the broadcast team, with pit reporter Peter Windsor having an expanded role on-site at each event (Speed Channel). Terms of the one-year deal were not released, but Speed Channel Senior VP/Programming & Production and Exec Producer Rick Miner said the two sides have agreed to meet in Q1 next year “to hammer out a long-term deal.” Miner added that the new deal also includes “shoulder programming opportunity that in the past has been off-limits.” He said that the net is “investigating all options, including highlight and analysis shows and lifestyle-based programs.” Miner: “It’s wide open” (Scott Warfield, SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 12/12 issue).

ARCA: SPEED TV’s Don Radebaugh reported Speed Channel has increased its coverage of ARCA RE/MAX Series races in ’06 to 15 events, “each scheduled for live or same-day delayed broadcast” (SPEEDTV.com, 12/12).