Commercial broadcaster Antena 3 is the favourite ahead of rival Telecinco to secure the free-to-air and internet rights in Spain for the Formula One motor-racing championship in 2012 and 2013, currently being sold by the Mediapro agency.
Local media reports say Antena is Mediapro’s preferred buyer. In December, Antena agreed a deal to merge with Mediapro’s commercial broadcaster La Sexta.
Telecinco is owned by Italian broadcast group Mediaset, and is considered the only other media company in Spain that could afford the rights fee.
The ADSL Zone website said Telecinco has asked the Comisión Nacional de la Competencia, Spain’s competition regulator, to monitor the tender for the rights to ensure transparency. Bids are due by February 6.
Mediapro cancelled La Sexta’s contract to show Formula One last week because the broadcaster was unable to pay a rights fee instalment for the 2012 season due to declining advertising revenues.
The new season starts on March 18.