NOVEMBER 28, 2006

Newscorp does a deal for F1 in America

Speed TV is teaming up with its brother company Fox Sports for a new three-year deal to cover Formula 1 in the United States of America. Fox will broadcast four events in 2007 with live coverage from the US and Canadian Grand Prix while Speed will air the remaining 13 events live, including coverage of practice and qualifying.

The commentary team will be led by Bob Varsha, with analysis from former F1 driver David Hobbs and former F1 mechanic Steve Matchett. Formula 1 journalist Peter Windsor will provide reports from the pits and from the starting grid.

"Speed has served F1 fans for 11 consecutive seasons with live coverage of racing, practice and qualifying, but this new deal will bring unprecedented consistency and exposure to the North American television audience," says Hunter Nickell, Speed's General Manager. "With Fox adding muscle to the North American events and the experienced Speed team calling the entire race season, it will be the coolest year ever to be an F1 fan on this continent."

Fox Sports will broadcast Canada, Indianapolis, France and Britain.