Bernie Ecclestone says he will do his best to keep Formula 1 on the BBC, as the corporation looks set to drop the sport from 2013 in a bid to cut costs.
As reported last week, the BBC, which is the official broadcaster in the UK and many other countries, is looking to drop the sport despite record breaking audiences.
Ecclestone praised the job the BBC has done and is happy with the increasing viewer figures, but admitted he knew of ‘problems’ within the Beeb, but had hoped to hear nothing more.
“We want Formula 1 to stay free to viewers,” he told the Daily Mail. “That is 100 per cent. The BBC have done a great job for us and we like their shows and the people obviously like it because so many are watching.
“They did warn me that they were facing problems but, so far, nothing more has been said,” he admitted.
“I hope they want to keep us because it is such a success and I will do my best to keep Formula One on the BBC.”