Laurent-Eric Le Lay, the group director of sports rights purchasing at TF1, said that the French commercial broadcaster was likely to bid to retain the rights for the Formula One motor-racing championship, which will come on the market this year.
TF1 chief executive Nonce Paolini had previously played down the broadcaster’s interest in the rights.
“I do not see why TF1 would not bid for the new season,” Le Lay said.
Paolini, who said last year that he found Formula One “less exciting” than before, softened his stance recently by telling financial analysts that TF1 would “see what happens this season” before looking at whether to bid, according to French newspaper Les Echos.
TF1 has broadcast the championship for the past 20 years. Its current deal expires at the end of the 2012 season.
Les Echos reports that TF1 spends about €40 million ($53 million) per year including rights fees on its Formula One coverage. TV Sports Markets understands that the rights fee is higher. The broadcaster is reported to be looking to reduce its expenditure on sports coverage.
TF1 attracted an average audience of 2.9 million, and an average 23.5-per-cent audience share, for its coverage of Formula One races last year. Audiences are expected to be boosted by the presence of three French drivers in the championship in 2012 – there were none last year.