F1 secures new partner in MENA region with beIN Sports deal

Pay-television broadcaster beIN Sports has acquired the exclusive rights to the Formula One motor racing championship in the Middle East and North Africa region.

The six-year agreement will run from 2014 to 2019 and will commence with the first grand prix of the forthcoming 2014 F1 season in Melbourne, Australia on March 14-16.

BeIN Sports said that every race will be shown live across its network of television channels with both Arabic and English commentary. The broadcaster has also acquired online rights as part of its new deal.

The agreement means Formula One has a new broadcast home in the MENA region. Abu Dhabi Media Company has held the exclusive rights to F1 in the region for the past four years.