Canal+ wins French F1 rights
February 14, 2013
By Colin Mann
Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone has reached an agreement with Canal+ for the broadcast of Grand Prix racing in France for the next three years.
The race broadcasts will be shown on pay-TV, but the agreement includes the airing of a free-to-air magazine programme. Canal+ will also show free-practice and qualifying sessions.
The deal is a setback for TF1, which has shown F1 free-to-air since 1992.
The 2012 season saw UK rights holder the BBC to relinquish its exclusivity, with BSkyB agreeing a deal with Formula One management to show all races, with the BBC showing just 10 races live and the remainder as highlights.