Formula One’s viewing figures steadily increased during the 2010 season to top 527 million worldwide, an increase of 1.4% on 2009.
The increase is likely down to a tense battle for the championship as well as an increase in output. Additional coverage of the season, thanks to new markets, pushed the total hours of content to 16,000, broadcast in over 187 countries.
F1 is the most watched annual sporting event worldwide, only trumped by the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup – of which take place every four years.
Bernie Ecclestone is confident the viewership will only increase in 2011: “Whilst 2010 delivered some great things, 2011 promises even more as Formula One seeks to build upon the foundations laid in our emerging markets and enthral our audiences across the world.”
The sport will be broadcast in HD for the first time ever, with the majority of broadcasters picking up the higher definition feed.
