Channel 4 has secured exclusive rights to broadcast Formula E races in the United Kingdom as part of a multi-year deal.
Formula E’s eighth season is due to begin next weekend with a double-header in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, and free-to-air broadcaster Channel 4 will show all races live across its Channel 4, All4 and YouTube platforms.
Ten of the 16 rounds are due to be broadcast on terrestrial TV, with the remainder shown via Channel 4’s YouTube channel, including the opening races.
It brings an end to a deal with the BBC, which broadcast just a handful of events on its terrestrial channels, instead pushing them out through its Red Button and iPlayer services.
The now well-known broadcast team of presenter Vernon Kay, reporter Nicki Shields and commentators Jack Nicholls and Dario Franchitti will remain as part of the deal.
Races will be broadcast uninterrupted, with advert breaks scheduled for before and after the action on track.
“Formula E is a fantastically exciting sport and this deal is wonderful news for sports fans,” said Pete Andrews, Channel 4’s head of sport.
“We’re proud to be showcasing a sport with sustainability at its heart and one that plays such an important role in seeking to combat the climate crisis.”
Aarti Dabas, Formula E’s chief media officer, added “We are delighted to build on our relationship with Channel 4 as the exclusive free-to-air home of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship here in the UK.
“The multi-year partnership with Channel 4 is great news for fans across the UK and for the continued growth of our sport. Last season saw more fans around the world tune into our live race programming than ever before.
“With Channel 4 established as the regular free-to-air home for Formula E in the UK, we look forward to better serving our passionate fanbase while attracting new fans to the excitement of all-electric street-racing.”
