UK commercial broadcaster Channel 5 has bolstered its motorsport portfolio by agreeing a rights deal for the MotoGP motorcycling championship.
Under the highlights agreement struck with MotoGP’s commercial rights-holder Dorna Sports for the 2017 season, Channel 5 will become the new free-to-air home of the championship in the UK, succeeding fellow commercial broadcaster ITV.
Channel 5 will broadcast a highlights show on the Monday following every MotoGP event, with Dorna Sports stating that a prime-time slot has been assured. Channel 5 has an existing live rights deal for the Formula E electric-car racing series, along with a highlights agreement with the World Rally Championship.
The 2016 MotoGP season saw Cal Crutchlow (pictured) claim a first British win in the premier class since the legendary Barry Sheene in 1981. A new Dorna-backed British Talent Team will also run John McPhee in the Moto3 category this year, while the British Talent Cup will debut in 2018.
The 2017 MotoGP season commences with the Qatar Grand Prix on March 26. Pay-television broadcaster BT Sport holds the live rights to MotoGP in the UK under a five-year deal that is set to expire following the 2018 season.