Slim targets F1, Monterrey rights for proposed new free-to-air channel

Multi-billionaire Carlos Slim wants to acquire rights to the Formula One motor-racing championship and games featuring top-tier Mexican football club Monterrey for a new free-to-air television channel that he is hoping to launch in the country, according to the Reporte Índigo news website.

The report said that Slim is hoping to acquire the Formula One rights from pay-television broadcaster Fox Sports, which currently shows the championship in Mexico.

The website added that Slim has offered $10 million (€7.7 million) per year for rights to Monterrey home games – a significant increase on the $4 million per year generated by the club’s current rights deal with the Televisa media group.

Earlier this month, Mexican transport and communications secretary Gerardo Ruiz Esparza announced plans to offer licences for two new free-to-air channels in the country.