Sport1 confirms Formula One rights deal

Dutch pay-television sports broadcaster Sport1 has confirmed the acquisition of rights for the Formula One motor-racing championship in a three-year deal, from 2013 to 2015.

Under the agreement, which was first reported by TV Sports Markets on November 9, 2012, Sport1 will show all races and qualifying sessions live.

Sport1 acquired the rights from Formula One Management, the operator of the championship.

The rights cover television and online platforms, and Sport1 said that the broadcaster would allow viewers to select different camera angles of races.

“On Formula One race days we will provide coverage on multiple channels so that race fans can choose whether they want to follow the race or, for example, want to take a look in the pits or perhaps ride with Fernando Alonso or Sebastian Vettel,” Sport1 vice-president Will Moerer said.

Commercial broadcaster RTL held the rights in the Netherlands in the previous three-year cycle, from 2010 to 2012.