Comments on: ITV F1 TV ratings grow slowly

By: Robert

Robert — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 22:25:37 +0000

Well I was introduced to F1 because of Lewis Hamilton and know ive become a die hard mclaren fan, its got to the point that im so addicted im watching races from the 80′s on youtube and even if mclaren no longer built a winning car I think id still have to watch for the joy of racing.

By: DG

DG — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:30:10 +0000

The first years of ITV coverage of F1 were pretty horrible, and they have only slowly improved as the time has gone on – but not apparently as a result of pressure from their viewers, and I think that the viewing figures are high at the moment only because of Hamilton – I’d like to know what the viewing figures have been for their BTCC and GP2 coverage over the last couple of years, since they have done little to improve their presentation of these sports (if any!)
The last time the BBC covered F1 they were allowed to have their own cameras as well as use FOM footage – I wonder if they would do the same again? (I don’t just mean for interviews). It will be good to see a race without adverts, and they normally chose good commentators, although the front presenter just needs to look better than Steve Rider!

By: Christopher Wait

Christopher Wait — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:10:36 +0000

Just going to throw this one into the mix…i also follow the three moto gp motorcycle race series which i normally watch on eurosport. In a break from tradition i watched the BBC coverage for Donnington park. It was aweful. I don’t know if the BBC see moto gp as low profile, but the female presenter displayed little interest or knowledge on the event she was presenting. I hope they make a better programme of the F1 next year. I am looking forward to no adverts.

By: Keith Collantine

Keith Collantine — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 08:12:53 +0000

Alex – I don’t know how popular Wimbledon is outside Britain (though I’m guessing it’s big in Spain and Switzerland). I suspect the BBC wouldn’t have much leverage on calendar timings.

By: Alex Andronov

Alex Andronov — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 04:42:45 +0000

I think we have an answer here about why the Bitish Grand Prix is moving next year. The BBC would not want the Grand Prix and the Mens Final of Wimbledon on at the same time.

Do they have that kind of power? My guess is that they do.

By: the limit

the limit — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 03:08:10 +0000

Its good to see that the viewing figures have risen, I always enjoyed Martin Brundle’s assessment of the proceedings and his overall knowledge.
Speaking about F1 as a whole, outside of Great Britain, getting these races to the general tv audience worldwide is extremely difficult. A race that may be at a prime time slot in England is going to be in the middle of the night somewhere else, it is impossible to please everybody.
For the Chinese GP last year I stayed up all night, I was afraid that if I fell asleep too early I would miss the whole race. Following F1 takes alot of dedication.
Following Indycar is relatively easy as most races are within the United States and fall nicely within the three time zones.
I hope the BBC do a good job broadcasting Formula One next year, I remember it well in the 1980′s and I’ve been a big Fleetwood Mac fan ever since.

By: Internet

Internet — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 22:36:37 +0000

Well ITV didn’t exactly fight back. I think they wanted to focus on football more.

By: sidepodcast

sidepodcast — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 21:50:15 +0000

no probs, i wouldn’t want itv getting more credit than they deserve

By: Keith Collantine

Keith Collantine — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 21:25:50 +0000

Fair point that’s sloppy writing. Fixed, ta.

By: sidepodcast

sidepodcast — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 20:46:28 +0000

not wanting to be picky, but are you sure ITV let the contract lapse? even your own post that you link to states “ITV’s existing F1 deal has been cut short”.

they didn’t chose anything, the contract was ripped from their sweaty palms.