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Formula E on BBC live events platform

November 13, 2018

By Colin Mann

Marking the return of live motor sport action to the BBC since it relinquished its coverage of Formula 1 at the end of 2015, electric street racing series Formula E is to be shown by the broadcaster for the very first time, with the Corporation bringing fans every race of the new season on its live events platform. UK free-to-air coverage of the 2017-18 season was on commercial broadcaster Channel 5 and its DTT services.

Starting on December 15th with the opening round of season five – the SAUDIA Ad Diriyah E-Prix – the new partnership will see Formula E aired live across the BBC in the UK – with all races available to watch via the BBC Sport website, BBC iPlayer and BBC Red Button.

Alongside the comprehensive online and digital coverage of the electric street racing series, one E-Prix will also be transmitted live on BBC network television this coming season.

“The ABB FIA Formula E Championship will continue to be broadcast to the masses and across a variety of platforms in the UK,” commented Ali Russell, Media & Business Development Director at Formula E. “It’s imperative that Formula E remained on a free-to-air network in such an important territory and key market for motorsport. What better place to showcase some of the best and most competitive racing than on the BBC. We’re fully-charged and ready for the new season on the streets of the most recognisable cities – and this year promises to be more intense and unpredictable than ever.”

“It’s great news that live motorsport is returning to our screens at the BBC,” declared Barbara Slater, Director of BBC Sport. “I’ve no doubt the upcoming season will bring with it some exciting wheel-to-wheel moments and we can’t wait for it to begin.”

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