Sky Sports to launch Formula 1 channel

Sky Sports will launch a dedicated channel for its Formula 1 coverage from next year.

Starting in March 2012, Sky Sports F1 HD will take viewers closer than ever, with more action and analysis of all practice and qualifying sessions and every race throughout the season.

From launch, Sky Sports F1 HD will give viewers:

EVERY RACE LIVE: From March to November, every moment of each race will be live in HD, without the interruption of adverts.

LIVE PRACTICE & QUALIFYING: Every practice and qualifying session for each Grand Prix will be shown live on one channel, Sky Sports F1 HD.

THE FULL SEASON IN-DEPTH: Over nine full months, viewers will have a wealth of programmes with in-depth interviews, archive action and weekly magazine shows.

EXTRA LIVE CONTENT: Through Sky’s interactive service, fans can follow the action through on-board cameras, go behind the scenes with the teams in the pits, and follow race data, to take them further inside the sport.

The channel will be provided at no extra charge to all Sky TV customers who take both Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports 2 or the HD pack of channels. It will be found on Sky channel 408, after a scheduled move of the Sky Sports channels. Viewers without the HD pack will receive a standard definition version.

“Formula 1 followers are hungry for more and we want to give them the ultimate experience,” said Barney Francis, Managing Director of Sky Sports.

“Its not just every minute of every race but a channel devoted to Formula 1. We can now tell the whole story of the season, from every Grand Prix, from start to finish. Formula 1 will get the full Sky Sports treatment. We have big plans for live shows and a rich line-up of Formula 1 programmes; getting to the drivers, exploring the technology and lapping up the drama.

“With a dedicated channel for Formula 1 we can also give all sports fans the depth and breadth of sports they demand every weekend, right through the year.”

Negotiations are ongoing at the moment between Sky and Virgin Media on the carriage details of the channel, an announcement is expected shortly.