Landmark deal for ESPN STAR Sports
ESPN STAR Sports announced it has acquired broadcast rights for Formula One in Asia for the next five years.
With this deal, action from the Formula One races in India and South Korea, which will be added to the race calendar in 2010, will also be shown live by Asia's No. 1 broadcaster.
The new agreement awards ESS exclusive rights to broadcast the FIA Formula One World ChampionshipTM (F1TM) across multiple platforms in 24 Asian markets, including India, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and South Korea.
The landmark deal will see the broadcaster getting exclusive rights to showcase F1TM action across platforms including TV, internet, mobile and radio.
This is also the first time that Formula One rights have been awarded on a platform neutral basis and ESS will have terrestrial rights in a number of key markets.
Speaking on this occasion, Manu Sawhney, Managing Director, ESPN STAR Sports, said: "We are extremely delighted to continue our 17-year strong partnership with Formula One Management through this historic new agreement. It is an ideal example of how partners can work together to build and grow a property."
Bernie Ecclestone, CEO, Formula One Management, said: "We are very pleased to have reached this agreement extending our relationship with ESPN STAR Sports for a further five years. Formula One has enjoyed unprecedented growth in popularity throughout Asia over the last few years and we feel that this comprehensive new agreement with ESS will help continue this trend."
ESPN STAR Sports currently covers the Formula OneTM with the live coverage of all 18 races and complimenting the live coverage are its pre and post-race presentations, Race Day and Chequered Flag, which provide live reports, race analysis and an insight into the people behind the high-speed action.
Hosted by Steve Dawson and Paula Malai Ali, both programmes also feature prominent racing experts and leading motor sports personalities to give F1TM fans the most enriching experience of the sport. In addition, ESS has extended offerings on its online platform, www.espnstar.com, and its original in-house programme, Engine Block.