SKY TV to Launch F1 Channel from March

British cable network SKY TV has announced the launch of a channel dedicated to Formula 1 racing. The channel will air all Formula 1 races between 2012 and 2018, according to the terms of the deal struck between the broadcaster and Bernie Ecclestone, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Formula 1 racing.

The channel, to be called Sky Sports F1 HD, will launch in March. The races (20 of them are scheduled for the 2012 season) will be broadcast without commercial breaks and, in addition, all qualifying and practice sessions will also be covered. The channel will also offer analysis and highlights shows, with extra coverage, to be accessed through Sky's Red Button Interactive Services.

"Formula One followers are hungry for more and we want to give them the ultimate experience. It's not just every minute of every race but a channel devoted to Formula One," the channel's Sports Chief, Barney Francis, was quoted as saying.

Other television viewers can continue to watch the British, Monaco and Brazilian Grands Prix, as the channel continues to hold rights to ten live races.