ITV to show F1 grands prix online

chris

ITV has struck a landmark deal that will see all 18 races in this season's formula one motor racing championship simulcast online via the broadcaster's broadband TV service.

The deal, with Bernie Ecclestone's Formula One Management, marks the first time an agreement has been reached in the UK for the internet broadcast of formula one races.

ITV will also broadcast online all Friday practice sessions, which have never been shown on TV before.

Under the deal the extra F1 coverage will kick off with the practice session in Australia, the first race of the season, from 11pm GMT tonight.

ITV has the TV broadcast rights until 2010 and the new online deal is understood to be for one year initially.

F1 races will be made available to view via ITV.com/F1 and be cross-promoted across the website and during the broadcaster's TV coverage.

The deal will also be a boon for Sony, which has signed to sponsor ITV's coverage, as the coverage made available online will automatically carry its advertising and sponsorship idents.

Each Grand Prix will be available to view for 30 days on ITV.com's catch-up TV service after the race has finished.

"We know from listening to our viewers that there is great demand from motor sport fans to watch F1 practice sessions and press conferences," said Mark Sharman, the ITV director of news and sport.

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