Advanced Television

BBC's Red Button F1

February 25, 2009

From Colin Mann in London

The return of Grand Prix racing to the BBC for the first time since 1996 will see the broadcaster introduce coverage that promises to be the most comprehensive in the history of the sport, with all on-track sessions brought live through TV, Radio, Red Button, broadband and the BBC iPlayer.

F1 fans will be able to customise their viewing experience through BBC Sport’s multiplatform offering with options such as: split-screen action, live leaderboard, in-car cameras, choice of commentary, live online streaming, live text, interactive forums, circuit guides and blogs.

The BBC's approach signals the most high-tech approach to the sport for UK viewers since Sky Digital introduced an interactive service on its satellite platform in 2002. The pay-per view service failed to attract sufficient subscribers and was dropped after one year.

Through the Red Button, viewers will be able to access: All on-track sessions live, including practice, qualifying and race; Choice of three different streams on race day: The main network feed with a choice of commentary from network and 5 Live; Split screen comprising: main network feed, in-car camera and leaderboard and Rolling highlights.

Formula 1 fans will be able to view any action they may have missed through the BBC iPlayer. All Grands Prix will be available for downloading up to seven days after broadcast. Once the footage has been downloaded, it will be available for viewing for up to 30 days.

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