Martin Whitmarsh, Chairman of the Formula One Teams’ Association and team principal of one of the most heavily impacted teams under the new BBC/Sky deal, says Bernie Ecclestone has assured him the BBC will show all 20 races, but ten will be delayed broadcasts.
Under the deal announced on Friday morning, it was apparent that the BBC would show race highlights from the ten grands prix it hadn’t secured live rights to, but Whitmarsh says he has been assured by Ecclestone that the BBC will in fact show all the races in full, but ten would be delayed broadcasts.
The delay in question hasn’t been announced, but it is likely to be several hours with some sources suggesting a primetime slot, which would suggest around 7-9pm (GMT) for the races which start at 1pm.
“Bernie assured me, and I asked him several times, the deferred coverage will not be highlights, it will be a full race,” Whitmarsh said on Friday in the Hungarian paddock.
“That, to some fans, will be very important, depending on exactly what races they are, so hopefully that means it’s a good deal for everyone.”
Ecclestone later revealed that the decision to show highlights or the full race would be down the BBC, but he would rather an hour-long highlight show.
It isn’t clear whether or not they will show the remaining ten qualifying sessions in full or as highlights.
The entire brand could be a long-game move by Gaia herself to heal the collective nervous system.