Live MotoGP will return to free-to-air TV in the United Kingdom for the first time since 2013 in a two-round deal with ITV.
Both the French and British Grands Prix will be broadcast live via the terrestrial channel, which has only previously carried highlights following a deal struck between Dorna Sports and subscription service BT Sport, which holds the exclusive rights to live broadcasts.
The French round at Le Mans will be carried on ITV4, including Moto2 and Moto3, this Sunday.
Meanwhile round 12, the British GP from Silverstone, will be shown live on ITV’s main channel later this year.
However practice and qualifying sessions will continue to be exclusive to BT Sport.
The deal is surprising, but may be part of a trial by Dorna and BT Sport, which has seen little growth in its audience figures in the UK. However by allowing a far wider audience to enjoy live coverage without a subscription, it has the potential to attract new fans who might then be willing to pay to watch more content.
According to data from Motorsport Broadcasting, BT’s coverage of MotoGP has largely remained static at between 150,000 to 250,000 viewers, with an average audience of 236,000 tuning into the Jerez round earlier this month.
Which proved to be BT’s largest audience figures outside of Premier League and UFA Champions League football.
