FOX Sports & STAR Sports Extend Formula 1 Rights

HONG KONG: FOX Sports and STAR Sports have retained their exclusive broadcast rights for the FIA Formula One World Championship for another seven years in Asia, running through to the 2022 season.

The agreement with Formula One Management (FOM) provides FOX Sports with exclusive broadcast and multimedia rights for more countries in Asia than ever before, including Japan. Both networks will continue with live coverage of all Formula 1 practice, qualifying and race action. This includes studio presentation and on-site presence for key races. This also spans second-screen options, for example through the RaceMateLive app or FOX Sports Play. Viewers in Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Thailand will also be able to access commentary in Bahasa Indonesia, Bahasa Malaysia, Cantonese, Mandarin and Thai, respectively, in addition to English.

“This seven-year agreement for Formula 1 racing in Asia is in line with FOX Sports’ long-term strategy of continually investing in the property, to provide our viewers and clients with the best-in-class F1 experience. Equally important, it assures us as well our affiliate partners a long term horizon,” said Zubin Gandevia, the president for the Asia Pacific and Middle East at FOX International Channels.

Nitin Kukreja, the president of sports at Star India, added, “We are thrilled to continue with the exclusive broadcast of the FIA Formula One World Championship and bring the highest class of auto racing to our viewers. This long-term association is in line with our aim of showcasing the best of global sporting events to create a multi-sport culture in India, and we’re confident that this exciting championship will fuel the growth of motor sports viewing in the country.”

Bernie Ecclestone, the CEO of the Formula One group, commented: “I am delighted we have managed to continue our successful relationship. With its ongoing commitment to top quality coverage and production, I feel that FOX Sports, together with STAR Sports in India, will more than do justice to Formula 1 racing and continue to grow its fan base throughout Asia.”