OCTOBER 15, 2002

F1 back to BBC?

The BBC will try to win back Formula One terrestrial television coverage in Britain when rival ITV's current contract expires in 2005. The Daily Mail is reporting that BBC executives have given the go-ahead for a $270 million bid to broadcast the championship for three years, a bid that ITV may not be able to counter after the recent collapse of their digital service.

The BBC recently lost a bid for Champions League football to ITV, and are trying to increase their sporting profile. Formula One viewing figures steadily declined this year, however, as Michael Schumacher and Ferrari dominated the series, clinching both championships with months remaining in the series. The decline in viewing figures and advertising revenue may mean that ITV does not want Formula One after 2005.