Photo by Morio. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)
How Many F1 Races are BBC Showing Live in 2014?
Out of the full 19 race calendar schedule, the BBC will be broadcasting just 9 of these Grand Prix weekends live and in full.
Which F1 Races are the BBC Showing Live?
The following races in bold will be broadcast live on the BBC in 2014, while the remaining Grand Prix’s will be shown as delayed, extended highlights:
1 Australia – Melbourne, 16 March
2 Malaysia – Sepang, 30 March
3 Bahrain – Sakhir, 6 April
4 China – Shanghai, 20 April
5 Spain – Barcelona, 11 May
6 Monaco – Monte Carlo, 25 May
7 Canada – Montreal, 8 June
8 Austria – Spielberg, 22 June
9 Britain – Silverstone, 6 July
10 Germany – Hockenheim, 20 July
11 Hungary – Budapest, 27 July
12 Belgium – Spa-Francorchamps, 24 August
13 Italy – Monza, 7 September
14 Singapore – Marina Bay, 21 September
15 Japan – Suzuka, 5 October
16 Russia – Sochi, 12 October
17 USA – Austin, Texas, 2 November
18 Brazil – São Paulo, 9 November
19 Abu Dhabi – Yas Marina Circuit, 23 November
Though the Beeb are keen to suggest their highlight programmes are proving very popular with viewers, I maintain the current coverage set-up can prove very frustrating. For true F1 fans who either cannot afford or justify the Sky Sports F1 subscription fees, not being able to watch 10 races of the season live or in full can often spoil the enjoyment of the sport.
Combined with Vettel’s insane dominance in recent years, this current broadcast rights set-up can only harm Formula One’s popularity in the UK.
References: BBC
