Channel 4 Announces Return Of Live Formula 1 In 2017

Channel 4 has confirmed the return of Formula 1 Grands Prix, which it will broadcast live throughout 2017.

As part of a new three year-deal with Formula One World Championship Limited, Channel 4 will broadcast live coverage of ten Grands Prix, including practice sessions, qualifying and in depth race analysis.

Channel 4 will also broadcast extensive highlights of all ten remaining races in the 2017 season, with all live races and highlights programmes available to watch live (simulcast) and on demand on All 4. All live races will continue to be broadcast without advertising breaks.

The 2016 season was Channel 4's first broadcast of the FIA Formula One World Championship with tens of millions tuning in for its live race and extensive highlights programmes across the year.

Channel 4's award-winning coverage, produced by Whisper Films, was frequently the most watched programme over its time slot.

This year's coverage will begin on 25th March with build up to, and comprehensive highlights coverage of the 2017 FORMULA 1 ROLEX AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX weekend.

Channel 4's first live race will be the 2017 FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX broadcast over the weekend of 15th April.

Following a picks process with Sky Sports, the full list of races broadcast live by Channel 4 is:
• Bahrain –16th April
• Russia –30th April
• Monaco –28th May
• Azerbaijan – 25th June
• Great Britain –16th July
• Belgium – 27th August
• Singapore – 17th September
• Malaysia – 1st October
• USA – 22nd October
• Abu Dhabi – 26th November

All of the live coverage and highlights will be broadcast free-to-air and in high definition.

Stephen Lyle, Channel 4 Head of F1 said: "Following a thrilling first year covering Formula One, we're delighted to reveal our schedule for the 2017 season. Once again our team will bring extensive coverage of every race with The Monaco Grand Prix, Great Britain and the finale in Abu Dhabi among our ten Live race weekends. It's a particular delight to welcome Monaco back to terrestrial television Live, for the first time in five years."

The new deal confirms Channel 4 as the terrestrial television home of Formula 1 until 2019.

(MH)