Formula E clinches multi-broadcast deals

Electronic racing series Formula E has expanded its range of international broadcasters to 40 different media outlets across over 150 countries.

Additionally, coverage will be provided in 30 different languages and feature over 60 hours of racing and 40 hours of pre-recorded content.

Two races will be broadcast on a free-to-air basis in the US due to an ongoing partnership with CBS, whilst the network’s pay-TV channels will provide coverage of the rest of the tournament.

Meanwhile, Claro will cover the races across the entire Latin America region except for Brazil, where Cultura and Globo have secured domestic media rights.

European broadcasting rights have been divided between several firms, including Discovery, Sky Italia and the BBC.

In Germany, free-to-air ProSiebenSat1 has clinched a deal which will include exclusive presenting by former Formula E driver Daniel Abt, and in France, sports media outlet L’Equipe will cover the event on its digital platform.

An array of Chinese companies will show the series – Hupu, Huya, Tencent Sports, Weibo, Youku and KuaiShou – whilst pay-TV firm J Sports will provide overall coverage in Japan, with BS Fuji airing highlights for free.

Finally, Star Sports Select 2 and Disney+ will broadcast the race series in India and SuperSport will hold exclusive rights across 50 different African territories on an on-demand basis.

This year marks the seventh series in the history of Formula E, as well as the first time the event has been recognised by the International Automobile Federation (FIA).

The first race will take place in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia this week, and the series will culminate in London on 24 and 25 June. Portugese driver António Félix da Costa is the current defending champion. Insidersport