Japanese pay-television broadcaster J Sports has acquired rights to motor-racing series the World Touring Car Championship.
Under the deal with WTCC promoter Eurosport Events, J Sports will broadcast live coverage of races during the 2017 season plus highlights from qualifying and the WTCC MAC3 team time trial in the build-up to the race action. Coverage will be carried across its four branded channels and website.
The new agreement follows last month’s announcement by Japanese automotive manufacturer Honda of its three-car factory line-up in the WTCC, which includes Japanese racer Ryo Michigami, the first driver from the country to secure a season-long WTCC works deal.
François Ribeiro, head of Eurosport Events, said: “We hope the live coverage will not only appeal to motorsport fans in Japan but hopefully also attract new audiences.”
Marrakech in Morocco hosts the opening round of this year’s WTCC from April 7-9. WTCC Race of Japan takes place at Twin Ring Motegi from October 27-29, with a highlights package aired on TV Osaka under a long-standing partnership.