Formula 1 has confirmed its plans to launch an Over-The-Top (OTT) subscription service, which will be called F1 TV, in "early 2018".
The service will come with three packages available based on location. F1 TV Access, the cheapest option, will provide access to live timing, commentary, race highlights and archive material. It will be available globally at launch.
However access to live race feeds will be only be available in a select few countries at launch due to the complicated nature of the broadcast deals already agreed. Germany, France, USA, Mexico, Belgium, Austria, Hungary and much of Latin America will be able to subscribe to the middle package, which gives "commercial-free live streams of each race with multi language commentary" as well as "access to all 20 driver on-board cameras throughout every race session".
The top package, F1 TV Pro (available in the same select locations), will have "unique feeds not available on any other platform with the capability of multi-level personalisation".
Viewers will be able to watch multiple cameras at once, with the ability to choose which drivers they wish to follow. Every session will be available to watch live, including press conferences and pre and post-race interviews.
Subscribers will also be able to watch live races of the main support series, the FIA Formula 2 Championship, GP3 Series and Porsche Supercup, among others.
F1 TV will be available on desktop/web, with mobile apps and TV apps being phased in on Amazon, Apple and Android, enabling users to watch on a range of different devices at no additional cost. Pricing for F1 TV Pro will be offered on a monthly basis of USD $8-$12 (£6-10), and annual rates will be priced according to market.
"With the launch of F1 TV, we are beginning on the journey to build a cornerstone of our digital transformation," commented Frank Arthofer, director of digital and new business at Formula 1.
"F1 TV subscription products are clearly and centrally aimed at our hardest core fans, and we are firm believers that while we are bringing a new audience to the sport, we must always remain focused on delivering products and experiences that serve the most avid F1 fans.
"Our objective with F1 TV is simple: provide these fans with the best available service to watch live Grands Prix and provide them with the best sports OTT customer experience in the world. Our team and our partners are singularly focused on delivering on that vision: not just for launch but over the long-term. Live streaming video is an exciting space changing almost daily."
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