Formula 1 has widened its broadcast reach in China in time for this weekend’s Grand Prix in Shanghai through three new TV rights deals.
Under the agreements announced today in Shanghai, Chinese internet company Tencent becomes a new digital media partner in the Chinese market. This partnership will enable Chinese fans to follow the races live on PC and mobile platforms, including Tencent Sports, Tencent News, Tencent Video, QQLive, and Tian Tian Kuai Bao; social media platforms, including WeChat; and OTT platforms, including QQ.
In addition to the remaining grands prix this season and onwards next year, Tencent’s platforms will provide a combination of different video and data feeds together with comprehensive post session short form content.
“Leveraging its advantages in distribution, production, broadcasting, intensive operation and social engagement, Tencent will provide abundant and scenario-based content services to our fans,” said Caitlyn Chen, Vice-President of Tencent. “The cooperation between F1 and Tencent will provide users with better understanding of passion and speed, so as to achieve the maximum IP value of F1 in China.”
In addition to the Tencent deal, F1 also signed agreements with local regional broadcasters Guangdong TV and Shanghai TV. Guangdong TV will provide free to air coverage in the Cantonese language and Shanghai TV will offer additional exposure in the region which has hosted the Chinese GP for 15 years.
Today’s deals come after the Formula One Group signed a contract with state broadcaster CCTV last month on a national basis. These new deals are in addition to CCTV who will still broadcast live coverage of all qualifying sessions and races.
Under the main agreement CCTV will show about 100 hours of live coverage across the season, with the action available across the CCTV-5 and CCTV-5 Plus sports channels, as well as the CCTV-5 mobile app and the CCTV sports website.
