Ecclestone excited about new era

Editor

Bernie Ecclestone has heaped praise on Channel 4 for stepping in to take over the broadcasting rights for Formula 1 after the BBC pulled out on Monday.

The BBC was due to screen the sport until 2018, but the broadcaster pulled out of their contract, citing financial issues. 

Channel 4 then grabbed the opportunity. Their contract will run from 2016 to 2018 and will allow them to screen ten live races with the rest being shown as highlights. 

However, CEO Jay Hunt revealed the races would be aired without commercial breaks, which is great news for fans.

"Channel 4 and Formula 1 are the perfect partnership," said Hunt.

"We've the same appetite for innovation and we'll be demonstrating that to fans by becoming the first free-to-air commercial broadcaster to show the races ad free."

While Ecclestone was sad to see the BBC go, he welcomed the lack of ad breaks.

"I am sorry the BBC could not comply with their contract,” said the F1 supremo.

"But I am happy we now have a broadcaster that can broadcast Formula 1 events without commercial intervals during the race.

"I am confident Channel 4 will achieve not only how the BBC carried out the broadcast in the past, but also with a new approach as the world and Formula 1 have moved on."