Just prior to the Christmas snow grounding, the Formula 2 Championship announced a new television package for the series.
Starting in 2011, Formula 2 moves to MotorsTV, becoming one of the station’s flagship Championship’s, bringing with it extended extended coverage.
The broadcasts, lasting approximately one hour, will focus more on the competitors, while also introducing qualifying segments. Each event will also be broadcast live from formulatwo.com, while also enjoying the benefit of no commercial breaks and numerous repeat viewings thereafter.
Although mainly a European channel, MotorsTV is available across the globe; however Formula 2 is working on securing wider broadcasting rights as it attempts to build on the momentum of the last two years. As an addition, Formula 2 will hold all of its rights, giving them some directorial charge over its production.
Inevitably, since the series was brought back to life in 2009, there have been teething troubles and setbacks – none more heartbreaking than Henry Surtees’ fatal accident at Brands Hatch last year.
Recently, Formula 2 lost its position as a support event for the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC), but will be a lead in for the International GT Open Series instead. Part of the WTCC package was coverage on Eurosport; however that position has been taken up by the AutoGP Championship.
Winning the Formula 2 Championship does bring its rewards. The title holder will participate in a test for Williams at the tail end of the season, while the runner-up and 3rd placed driver get test with GP2 teams.
