Note: Sky have confirmed this rumour to be untrue. Though they are negotating with both Virgin Media and BT Vision to offer the channel as part of their Sports packages.
However, Freeview and Freesat won’t be able to pick-up the channel for a monthly fee, as has been reported in the British press.
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Sky will reportedly set up a dedicated Formula 1 channel, available to Freeview customers for just £10 per month, whilst Sky and Virgin Media users will enjoy the extra content for free.
The satellite broadcaster gained the rights to show all 20-races live next season – leaving the BBC with just half – which prompted thousands of complaints, including 40,000 on the governments official e-petitions website.
In response to the criticism, and as a way to lure those with tighter budgets from the BBC’s reduced coverage, Sky will broadcast all three practice sessions, qualifying and the race, live, through a monthly subscription channel available through their own service, Sky TV, as well as rivals Virgin and Freeview – the latter of which is a free service but has optional content available through a subscription service.
Whilst the news will come as a relief to some, it may not be enough to appease most viewers who have enjoyed free-to-air coverage in the UK since most can remember. It is however a massive reduction compared to Sky’s basic sports package which costs £50+ per month.
Martin Brundle is expected to partner David Croft on commentating duties, whilst Simon Lazenby, a former Rugby presenter, will anchor the show. Jake Humphrey, who has been the face of the BBC’s coverage since 2009, reportedly turned down an offer to jump ship.
Full confirmation from Sky is expected next month, which is likely to include repeats, lower category racing and an F1 legends programme.
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