Eurosport lines up Formula E coverage
October 20, 2017
By Colin Mann
Eurosport has extended its agreement with the FIA Formula E Championship that will see the broadcaster showcase the all-electric single seater car race series to all of Europe for the first time from the 2017-18 season.
For three years starting on the weekend of December 2nd-3rd 2017 with a double-header in Hong Kong, all 14 races from iconic cities such as New York City and Paris – as well as new additions Rome, Santiago and Sao Paulo – will be broadcast live on Eurosport across the continent.
From this season, Eurosport will hold exclusive and sub-licensing rights across Europe (excluding UK and Italy where Eurosport holds non-exclusive rights). Eurosport will sub-licence some rights to free to air broadcasters which will complement its own coverage in selected markets.
As the ‘Home of Formula E’ in Europe, Eurosport now offers brands the opportunity to associate with the rapidly growing motor sport and connect with its fans on TV, digital and social media across much of Europe for the first time in one connected environment.
Eurosport broadcast the FIA Formula E Championship for the first time in the German, Polish and Nordics regions in 2015 with the Netherlands added to the list of countries that showed the series last year.
“With its unique approach to innovation and willingness to try new things to deepen engagement with passionate motorsport fans, there is a very real symmetry between Formula E and Eurosport’s values,” commented Eurosport CEO Peter Hutton.
“Having broadcast the championship on Eurosport for the past two seasons, we believe we have played an important part in helping to grow the sport. Particularly when you consider our established coverage of motorsport in Europe, we are thrilled to be able to play a part in bringing the sport to more people and seeing Formula E back on Eurosport’s screens once again for 2017-18.”
“It’s fantastic news to extend our existing partnership with Eurosport and Discovery – as well as expand our broadcast and digital outreach across Europe, which is such a crucial market to the growing popularity of Formula E and increased demand for electric vehicle uptake,” added Alejandro Agag, Founder & CEO of Formula E.
“As the Home of the Olympics in Europe – Eurosport and Discovery is perfectly-placed to tell the unique story of the electric street racing series and its leading protagonists – the inspiring city-centre locations, renowned teams and manufacturers, along with the faces behind the wheel fighting to be crowned champion.”
“Formula E’s electric street racing series is soaring in popularity as a new generation of motorsport that is pioneering emerging technologies,” noted Jonathan Davies, Managing Director, Advertiser Partnerships, Discovery Networks International and Eurosport. As the lead broadcaster for Formula E in Europe, Eurosport is offering brands a unique opportunity to partner with this innovative sport and become part of the experience for millions of fans across TV, digital and social media.”
With the acquisition of the rights to Formula E in Europe, Eurosport strengthens its portfolio of motorsport events and series that includes the prestigious Le Mans 24h race (Europe and Asia-Pacific), Moto GP (six European markets), the World Touring Car Championship (Europe and Asia-Pacific) and the SBK World Championships (Europe).
Liberty Global and Eurosport owner Discovery Communications became minority shareholders in Formula E Holdings in March 2015.