News
F1 talks go to the wire
This year is the first in which the region will host two grands prix, with the addition of Abu Dhabi circuit. The Abu Dhabi Sports Channel was favourite to pick up the 2009 rights but walked away from talks after the Bahrain Circuit asked for $16 million for the rights, approximately 10 times what was paid in 2008.
WSG sues Asian Tour
The agency is claiming breach of contract and alleges that right from the start of negotiations the Tour acted in bad faith. It also claims that a matching rights option on the 2009 rights remains valid, despite the Tour arguing otherwise. During a period of exclusive talks last summer, WSG offered to increase its minimum guarantee to $550,000 for 2009.