Formula 1's delayed TV streaming service will launch in May ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, according to Alan Baldwin of REUTERS. F1 said in a statement that the service, which had originally been scheduled for launch at the opening Australian Grand Prix in March, "would continue to be tested in a closed version." The Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona on May 13 is the "start of the European season and fifth round of the 21-race championship." The service, "on two levels with a more expensive Pro premium package and a cheaper basic access," is the sport’s "biggest investment to date in its digital transformation." F1 said that F1 TV will be available initially on desktop, and then on Apple, Android and Amazon Fire mobile and tablet devices (REUTERS, 4/13). BROADBAND TV NEWS' Julian Clover reported the subscription video platform is being produced by NBC Sports' Playmaker Media and iStreamPlanet, which will "act as systems integrator and video streaming partners." They will be assisted by CSG, Ostmodern and CDN provider Tata. All of practice, qualifying and races will be offered live, along with press conferences and pre- and post-race interviews (BROADBAND TV NEWS, 4/14).
