• Fans' fury as the BBC sacrifices Formula One to save Wimbledon

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For those that watch the F1 Forum on the BBC red button you may have heard either Jake or Martin thanking some of our viewers in Australia!

Now this did get me thinking as I recall sometime ago about the syndication of the BBC Sport coverage to other countries, which beggs a question?

Why has the BBC not increased it's syndication costs to these other countries? And the fact that only back in June Bernie Ecclestone was talking about F1's coverage on the BBC outstanding and that he was looking forward and planned more viewers to see the races.

What is about o happen is less people in the UK watching it and I understand that SKY is to have on as pay per view, so dont go rushing out for your SKY box just yet as it about cost you even more?

There is something severly wrong that sports are leaching over to SKY and yes they are chasing the bucks being thrown at them, but culturely this does not go well for the future of the country and its interest in sports. I would like to see the Goverment cross party looking at this as it does not serve us in the long term.

- Mark, Central London, 01/08/2011 12:08
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I want Jake to both look and not look at these comments. I want him to look to let it be known to him how many people appreciate every aspect of the BBC coverage, me included. I started watching F1 in 2009. I've fallen in love with it ever since and have learnt so much by watching previous seasons and greats like Senna. The BBC coverage made it flow like an epic. Just look at the credits for the 2010 season. So emotional. What are Sky gonna do with it? It'll be robotic coverage with the odd controversial, racist or downright thick comment made by one of the commentators to spice what will otherwise be a load of pathetic coverage (in comparison to the BBC) up. There'll be a complete lack of soul. I also don't want Jake to look for the very same reason, since I think he'll probably start crying. I'm devastated, and not because of the money needed to watch the rest of the season.

- James, Guildford, 31/07/2011 23:38
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"Sky has done wonderful things with cricket and football"

Neither of which I want, making it a mystery as to why I'd shell out up to £500 a year just to watch ten races. This is an appalling blow to the UK F1 fan-base.

- Micky, Norwich, 31/07/2011 15:43
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the whole bbc team can move over to Sky Sport just like when itv was showing F1.
Like every thing these days, you move where the work is. as for bbc viewers we still want half our tv licence fees refunded for having half of F1 programmes.

- jo, londn.uk, 30/07/2011 16:29
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2011 is the last year I'll watch F1. I've been watching it religiously for as long as I remember on BBC/ITV and these last few years have been outstanding. Jake, Martin, Eddie, David, Lee, Ted and the rest of the gang thoroughly deserve all the praise heaped upon them. We're blessed with fantastic access, it seems the highest priority and analyis and commentary second to none.

I do not have Sky, I will not get Sky. I refuse to pay £30+ a month on top of the license fee I already pay just to watch F1 no matter how much I love it.

It's a very very dark day for me, I refuse to be treated like an idiot an only have half of the races available to me live, so I wont watch any.

On the bright side, my family are happy I refuse to watch it after this year because it means they get me back for Saturdays and Sundays now so well done Bernie for that I suppose!

I hope when the figures on BBC decline rapidly that the idiotic woman who made this decision pays with her job. I dont like to say something like that, but mistakes like this deserve to be punished.

- Craig Wilkinson, Warrington, 30/07/2011 12:18
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have been a keen F1 fan for decades now and must say that I am very upset and disgusted that we have been kicked in the teeth by greed - we should have seen it coming. The Murdochs and Ecclestone are well suited. Both are powerful, rich and greedy and full of their own self-importance. I sincerely hope this will catch them out. So much for the Concorde agreement!! I have thoroughly enjoyed the BBCs' coverage and my congratulations and thanks to Jake, David, Eddie, Martin and the whole team - they have been magnificent. Now, we have all been let down badly. Sorry but Ms Slater is talking bull and must take us for idiots. This is just another blow to the BBC sports coverage, once the best in the world - next I suppose it will be Wimbledon. Go on BBC put all your resource into the Soaps and Reality crass! I also will never support the Murdochs fund and will never subscribe to SKY just for the priviledge of listening to second-rate commentators and watching the many adverts interrupt the action. I, like so many others, expect a reduction in my TV licence - some hope! Come on F1 teams and support your many fans - you were threatening earlier in the year to pull out of F1 and go it alone. Do so if Ecklestone doesn't pull back.

- Dave, Cambridge, UK, 30/07/2011 11:42
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Is F1 a sport? Not at all. Thank goodness we shall be seeing less of it. F1 is infinitely less interesting than watching paint dry. It consumes incredible amounts of energy, both during the races + during so-called "practice" sessions, not to mention flying hundreds of people and cars all around the world, from China to Brazil, via Australia and Europe. It is truly awful. I congratulate the BBC on giving up 50% of its share of broadcasting rights, and I hope that it soon gives up its remaining 50%. Any "sport" which interests people like Jeremy Clarkson should be banned from our TV screens for ever. Happily, this day will soon be arriving.

- Ian, Brest, France, 30/07/2011 10:31
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Right.

I have a lot of family members and friends in the F1 and racing industry, whether its working at HQ in MK or engine and screw makers and i'm a hardcore fan. anyway I know what I'm on about.

I disliked ITVs coverage purely because of the Moby soundtrack but hated the adverts. When it was switched over to BBC it was like "reborn" with tons of new features and it has evolved into something thats really good. Ratings have increased since it has been on the BBC.

But BBC were loosing money on this and the only way is to not bid when the contract expires, but the question is why did they do this join deal on the last season of their contract? I know sky wont show ads during races, but it means alot of people wont be able to watch it. I know the sport needs to generate money as racing does cost the teams. Williams boss said it takes roughly 22 million per race (2 million per team) to get a driver, cars, staff, etc) but surely then the sponsors should pay more not the tv broadcaster.

It seems to me that Murdock may have paid bernie a few extra bob back in hand... either way i'm dissapointed along with Jake and Martin and many others. Although we get the British race, and the main races of the season, but each race is different.

Is there a way out of it? Yes BBC need to sift through things it needs to show and things not too show. As mentioned before, bbc needs some ads.... ps. Pirelli are angry about the move over too

- Gianluca, Kettering, 30/07/2011 00:01
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Personally speaking, I love watching the race unfold sector by sector, seeing which cars are making their way through the field and how the leader responds.....with highlights this just ain't gonna happen....t'is indeed a sad day :/

- Karen, christchurch, dorset, 29/07/2011 23:58
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Jake, no doubts you wrote this biting your tongue, and will do the same for the rest of the season.

But we can speak our minds freely, so I say:
"We, the license fee payers, OWNERS of the BBC, reject this deal and demand the BBC and FOM honour the current contract until its end in 2013. "

- Bodincus, The Mighty Alba, 29/07/2011 23:19
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Jake how can you say SKY have done great things for Cricket and Football?

They have ruined the sports, when I was young (I am 47 now) everyone knew who was top football team and the players names, same with cricket (botham etc), same with Boxing, Ali, Bruno, Eubank etc

How many can youngsters name now?

Most of us can not afford SKY (12 month contract) plus Sport subscription + HD subscription

A1GP is a failure because it was on Sky Sports

BTCC is Strong because it's FREE to watch.
Moto GP again Free
F1 Soon to fade like other sports on Sky.

- ShaGGy, Manchester, 29/07/2011 23:07
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I could cry, I’ve watched every race for the past 20 years, next season will be the first season that I wont be able to watch every race (highlights is just not the same!). This could be the beginning of the end for me, I love this sport and I cant wait to watch the next race.. but when I’m only able watch every other race how long before I get fed up or lose interest in not being able to follow it race by race. I’m really angry, I feel the sport I love has been stolen from me.
Ps, theres no way I’m subscribing to sky sports, I already pay a tv licence, I already subscribe to normal sky channels, enough is enough, I’m not subscribing to a football channel when I cant stand the sport and I only need the channel for 20 hours per year! (10 x 2 hour races).

- Lee, sheffield, 29/07/2011 22:04
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Money money money money money.

Isnt sport about something different than that?

This has turned me off F1, and I feel stupid for not thinking it was full of greedy people in the first place. The teams are the only answer I think. I believe they care because they would put racing above money. Get emailing them everyone!

- Richard, Brighton, 29/07/2011 20:40
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This decision disgusts me. I've been a F1 fan for decades and have to say this is THE WORST decision made for the sport ever.

Someone really needs to get rid of B Ecclestone, he clearly is in this for one thing, money - at all costs. No sport should be able to be controlled by one person in such a manner. It's already clear he is not capable of making good decisions after trying to reinstate the Bahrain GP for this year, then having to backtrack once he realised he'd made a ridiculously stupid mistake.

Once the teams lawyers have sat down and read through the concorde agreement properly then there may be a further backtracking decision made. It clearly states that ALL races should be shown LIVE on FREE to air TV.
I just hope & pray the teams obstruct this decision and make the BBC carry out their obligations as per the current contractual agreement that remains until 2013.

- I Young, Brecon, Wales, 29/07/2011 19:16
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While I understand the desire of the BBC Sports team to keep "some F1" (with the associated BAFTA glory) on BBC TV, they would have created a better deal for the license payer if they had refused to bid under these conditions. Then the choice would have been between completely locked in with Sky Sports, exclusive to Channel 4 or the current split but with Channel 4, which would have been a tougher sell for Ecclestone and ultimately an incentive to keep F1 on free-to-air television in the UK.

What the viewers get instead will be confusing ("do they show F1 live this week or next week or the one after?"), will not transport the live event character of F1 (to me, F1 is as much about what could happen as about what actually happens, and that can only really be conveyed live while the necessary uncertainty is there), will destroy the narrative of the developments and activities during a season, will negatively impact the production budget and by proxy the quality of the program (fewer features, loss of key talent), and will undoubtedly have a negative impact on viewership sizes and interest in F1 in the UK (you can take me up on a bet for this if you dare).

This is a selfish deal that is not in the interest of the general public and the license payer. The money spent on it is wasted money. Unfortunately there will unlikely be any way out of this I imagine due to Bernie Ecclestone's "killer contract writing" abilities.

- emtie, London, 29/07/2011 19:09
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I've loved the BBC's coverage of F1 over the past 2 1/2 years, but I'm sure I'm not alone in saying I would rather all 20 races be shown live on ITV or CH4, than this ridiculous 50/50 deal with Sky. It's completely underhand and simply circumvents the well-known clause in the Concorde agreement that guarantees free-to-air TV coverage in key markets.

I've watched every F1 race since the mid-80's, but I will be taking my support elsewhere next season. There are plenty of other motorsport formula in this country, and for the price of a Sky Sports subscription, I can go to a circuit and watch racing live.

- Charlie, Sheffield, UK, 29/07/2011 18:49
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F1. RIP.

- artfuldodger128, london, 29/07/2011 17:48
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Sky is good at buying things that others do better. Then destroying it. Boxing and Football are examples; the general public could not name five world-class boxers today. The sport was marginalized because of sky sports, remember the good days listening to Harry Carpenter, and football has gone the same way, all the main clubs are now bankrupt or have a sugar daddy.

What makes Bernie believe Sky could even match the BBC coverage let along better it? Money, that’s what lights Bernie’s candle and blows ours out.

Greedy Bernie, what a shame we trusted you so long. Business is business but this is a bad idea, as a fan I could not be more disappointed.

Many people have said they will not buy a sky sports and all I can say is I am one of these people. I will not pay to see the downfall of another sports I love.

Jake, DC, Eddie and Martin and all the production team should rightly be very proud of all the work they have done. It is a pity a nations broadcasting company will now show adverts for the following race, which will be broadcast on sky sports. So in effect Murdoch’s TV station will get free BBC adverts nice touch.

I am hacked off!

- Paul, Birr, County Offaly, Ireland., 29/07/2011 17:34
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So now most F1 fans will loose out to Sky... Real shame again a phone tapping tycoon has managed to take over another sport we love... Just like cricket after we won the ashes a few years ago and everyone knew we had won due to coverage on free to air TV and people actually celebrate the fact.... How many average people know that we actually won the ashes again this year.... F1 will loose out in the long run and so will the BBC... Sad day

- Andrew Dale, Sheffield, 29/07/2011 17:12
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Formula One is what makes me look forward to my weekends: it makes my heart thump with adrenaline when you don't know who's going to win the race, or where your favourite teams and drivers are going to qualify. It was devistating to wake up to this news this morning. I knew the Beeb weren't going to renew their contract and feared the switch to Sky but I was hoping that if anything, Channel 4 could have saved Formula One from subscription based TV, but no - it's come to what was most feared!

I'm appaulled by the BBC for selling out, by Bernie for asking for so much money after already having more than enough and for Rupert Murdoch's company for trying to grab our money-many-of-us-don't-have.

What is Formula One going to be on Sky compared to what it currently is on the BBC? What will happen to MARTIN BRUNDLE's gridwalks, the banter between Jake, DC and EJ? The interviews of drivers, team principles, technical features? The forum!

I'm sad, and so is everyone else - probably even the fans who already have a Sky Sports package!

Does people power work? Not often! What do we do? This is one of the worst things I've heard in some time and it may sound selfish, bit to me, killing the current F1 format is of the same significants as the massacre and terrorist murders in the world, as F1 is part of my life!

Very unhappy!

- Jon Rapley, Isleworth, Greater London, UK, 29/07/2011 16:56
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It is not great news for the average UK F1 fan, but like Jake said; "it is important to retain perspective."

I'm surprised people are surprised, to be honest. Sky is simply tightening its strangle-hold on sport in general.

No offence to Mr. Humprey or the BBC F1 team, but what I want to know is; why am I paying a TV licence? All that's left for the average sports fan is Match of the Day, the Football League Show, Football Focus, oh and occasional Championship game. Apart from Snooker and the odd Golf tournament, the TV licence is NOT for the average UK sports fan, is it?

£140-odd for what? More detective-drama's!!!!!

If Sky have their wits about them, they'll be asking the beeb how long Humprey et al, have left on their contracts?

- Ian, Leicester, 29/07/2011 16:45
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Well it's a sad day and one I hoped would never come. Over te past 2 years I have become more and more addicted to watching and following F1.
This though, is the last straw from Sky/BBC. I shall not be forking out for Sky Sports to watch a dumbed down, americanised version of the sport I love. It is with a heavy heart that I will have to cease watching F1, the past few years have been amazing so I guess it's best to leave on a high right?
I will instead switch my allegiance to the only other free-to-air motorsport over on ITV4, the Touring Cars and support races. I don't think it's unfeasable that due to this deal, Nick Hamilton could soon be getting more viewers than his brother.
Congratulations on lighting the fuse for the downfall of F1 Bernie....

- Tom Stevens, Nottingham, UK, 29/07/2011 16:32
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I along with the majority of the other commentators, love F1 and although I thought itv did a good job, the BBC have done a better one. I live in an apartment and am not allowed to have a dish as part of the lease, so can't switch to Sky, not that I would anyway. Ecclestone is a devious lieing midget who is always looking to line his pocket. I hope this move will prove that he isn't such a good businessman as he thinks he is and the loss of viewers will somehow force F1 sponsors to review this backward move.

- Mike Dewison,, Upminster, Essex, 29/07/2011 16:17
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My blood ran cold upon hearing this. I find it hard to belive that the BBC has Betrayed its license payer. This decision will spell the end of F1 in the UK, ITV was bad enough but BBC Coverage has been outstanding since then.

I would rather have Olympic highlights and keep F1 on the BBC for 6 years, this deal has no benefit whatso ever and is an outrage to think it is.

Hugely disapointing and no value for money anymore on the license fee. £145 a year for a couple of dramas that i watch on iplayer anyway.

- OT, Hampshire, 29/07/2011 16:08
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This is the worst thing that could have happened to F1. Despite all the 'promises' from Ecclestone and the existing concorde agreement, Murdoch wins again and after all the recent revelations, I am not about to put money in his pocket.

Haven't the two greedy, super-rich people mentioned above got enough money already? Why do they have to spoil the enjoyment of millions of F1 fans that cannot afford to attend the races, or subscribe to Sky TV?

Being able to watch only half the races live next season will 'kill' my enthusiasm for this so-called 'sport'. It will make the season disjointed and by the time race highlights are shown on BBC, the results will have already been published by Sky and all other media, so what's the point in watching?

The BBC coverage and the current line-up of presenters have been brilliant, so thanks for that and I'll enjoy the rest of this season but sadly, I won't be watching F1 any more after this year.

I understand that existing BBC presenters cannot express their true feelings about this decision for fear of losing their jobs but just for once, perhaps the licence fee-paying Great British public and those in the sport will voice their opinions and actually stand up and FIGHT for once. (No, I doubt it too!)

As for the BBC; this is a really bad 'move'. They have shot themselves in the foot yet again and ruined the one thing I enjoy watching. STOP trying to 'talk-up' this travesty and telling everyone how 'wonderful' it will be.

Bye Bye F1.

- Peter Gladwish, Bexhill, East Sussex. UK., 29/07/2011 16:01
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someone grow some on the bbc team and stand up for F1 and its fans ,this will harm F1 .we dont want highlights we want full races and build up ,remember wrc look where thats gone .

come on Eddie get behind the fans

- rae keeley, uk, 29/07/2011 15:51
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So after years of brilliant free TV coverage of F1 from both ITV and the BBC, the BBC will now go down in history as the channel that removed F1 from free-to-air television and totally sold out UK F1 fans! As a tax payer, licence payer and BBC customer I cannot believe that the BBC is allowed to sell F1 fans out like this.

Barbara Slater, director of BBC Sport, said: "With this new deal we have ensured that through our live and extended highlights coverage ALL the [F1] action continues to be available to licence-fee payers." Well that’s simply not true is it Barbara! If UK F1 fans want to watch ‘all the action’ live from 2012 onwards we will now have to subscribe to Sky, because the BBC will only be showing half the races live – the rest will just be highlights ... so not ALL the action then! And as all UK F1 fans will now have to pay to watch the rest of the races on Sky, we might as well watch everything on Sky and the BBC might as well not bother broadcasting F1 at all!

After setting a new high standard for brilliant F1 TV coverage over the last few years, the BBC are now going to completely let UK F1 fans down by selling out to Sky! Shame on the BBC – give me my licence fee back and I’ll use it to pay for Sky. Oh I forgot – I HAVE to pay my licence fee – what a rip off!

Shame on you BBC!

- Mick Miller, Croydon UK, 29/07/2011 15:49
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The Sport was finally attracting the wider tv audience again after it was lost in the scumacher era.

It is now going to be killed by a company partly owned people under serious criminal investigation. All the drivers should be carefull of what voice messages they leave now....

- Lee, Coventry, England, 29/07/2011 15:46
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There's no way Murdoch is getting a single penny from me! Sold out by a hypocrite BBC! Plumbing the depths!

- Les Hemmings, Folkestone, UK, 29/07/2011 15:45
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Ultimately what this comes down to is that Joe Average is no longer a sports fan(apart from football) and therefore sport is not seen as value for money by terrestrial broadcasters.

The BBC will probably use their free hours next year for, depending on the time of day...kids TV, soap reruns and making sure the Antiques Roadshow schedule is uninterrupted!

Me, I have Sky Sports but if I'm out of town during a non-BBC Grand Prix weekend, what then? The ads will also be annoying. Stunned that this has happened so soon!

- Matt G, Exeter, UK, 29/07/2011 15:40
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I've just come back from spending 2 and a half years in Australia where you have to watch F1 at 10pm and packed full of adverts, however the upside is that the people who present the program on One HD don't attempt to commentate. For this they hand over to the BBC coverage - a testament to the awesome job they do, and a realisation that they can't do it any better! On coming home I was so, so pleased to be able to start watching it at a sociable hour, advert free, subscription free and presented by the home of F1. To add to this Freesat was now well and truly established - music to my ears as I chuckled to myself while hooking up my Freesat box to the Sky dish on the side of my house.

Back when Sky was the only real option for digital TV, I subscribed to the bear minimum in order to get the kit. Now there's no need to do this I'm even more unlikely to spend my hard-earned cash on Sky just because, yet again, they've bought something popular with which to hold viewers to ransom.

I sincerely hope this all falls on it's face as some people are suggesting, because if it's a success I can only see this spelling the end of decent F1 coverage on free-to-air TV all together....

- Tony, Oxford, 29/07/2011 15:36
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Formula 1, Bernie Ecclestone and BBC have let down British Formula 1 fans. If the BBC could not afford to show every race on free to air, then it should have gone to another free to air tv provider who could for example channel 5. This is second rate coverage for a first rate sport.

I love Formula 1 and think that it is the greatest sporting event on the planet. I enjoy being able to watch a race without any ad breaks and I have to say that Jake and the team have done a brilliant job. This decision has been taken over their heads.

I hope the teams find some way to block this agreement through the Concorde agreement.

- Jack Brudenell, London, UK, 29/07/2011 15:33
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Jake, I know it would be unprofessional of you to rant and rave about it, but please don't sugar coat it either. How can putting a sport that is 'dependent on big TV audiences' on a channel accessible to fewer people be considered a good idea? It stinks. Once again its the money men thinking only about money. My son and I love Formula 1, but as of 2012, we can't afford to watch it. So cheers, Bernie. Thanks for both everything, and nothing.

- Steve, Bath, UK, 29/07/2011 15:27
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OMG!!!!! what on earth is going on.....im shell shocked after watching F1 on the bbc years ago then seeing it go to itv which was just the "pits", i was so happy when the bbc got the right again to show it.....no advert breaks ruining the flow of the race, a great new team with martin, david, ted, lee and eddie.....a real joy to watch and listen....in my opinion the match of martin and david is just awesome, since the days of murrey and james hunt & murrey and martin the team now is just pure genius......a very very sad day indeed.....the bbc had just got it right a perfect balance and now its all gone.....i will not be getting sky sports and will half to watch half a race season next year and play the rest on the xbox......lol

can i get a refund on my tv licence now for next year as i know have nothing to watch

- mike, warwickshire,uk, 29/07/2011 15:20
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Suits me if it means no more Couthard,McKenzie or Humphreys and their lisping boring drone of voices. Just hope the excellent red button alternative coms. is available with Croft and Davidson.

- mike, London and once Gt.Britain, 29/07/2011 15:20
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OMG!!!!! what on earth is going on.....im shell shocked after watching F1 on the bbc years ago then seeing it go to itv which was just the "pits", i was so happy when the bbc got the right again to show it.....no advert breaks ruining the flow of the race, a great new team with martin, david, ted, lee and eddie.....a real joy to watch and listen....in my opinion the match of martin and david is just awesome, since the days of murrey and james hunt & murrey and martin the team now is just pure genius......a very very sad day indeed.....the bbc had just got it right a perfect balance and now its all gone.....i will not be getting sky sports and will half to watch half a race season next year and play the rest on the xbox......lol

can i get a refund on my tv licence now for next year as i know have nothing to watch

- mike, warwickshire,uk, 29/07/2011 15:11
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I am stunned at this news .
I cannot remember the last time I did not watch an F1 race live on TV , it has to be over 25 years ago but if this decision goes through then I will not see another one unless it reverts back to FtA .
On principal I will not watch whichever races the BBC televises and I will never put a penny into Murdochs pocket.
@Ecclestone : you have done it this time this will destroy the sport and will lose you many supporters in the UK and around the globe.

- Aukmune, Holsworthy U.K., 29/07/2011 15:07
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There's a reason why BBC F1 was recognised by the Baftas last year and it's a tremendous shame fans will have to tolerate Sky's broadcasting standards for half of the races next year.

It's a shame the core BBC coverage team are having to tow the line on this, but it is only to be expected with so much of the season to go.

The Formula One Management agency are a vicious money grabbing lot and this move is simply to line the pockets of those in charge. Only an organisation which is so backward and out of date would side with Murdoch and Co. so soon after the hacking scandal. It's just like Bahrain being reinstated earlier this year, before FOM came to their senses - they are all just completely out of touch.

Sky has a history of picking up TV phenomenons and then trashing them, look at Cricket for a sign of that and F1 is now heading down the same path.

I feel sorry for us fans and the team that has given us such great coverage over the recent seasons. Keep up the good work guys for the remainder.

If you're unhappy with this move sign up to some petitions, bombard F1, BBC and Sky accounts via Twitter to show your discontent.

Don't let Formula 1 go down the road of Cricket and Football, this is our sport. It's time for us to do something to secure its future.

- Andy Griffiths, London, 29/07/2011 15:07
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i think this tv deal is great news..... well i would do wouldnt i i,d like to see sprinklers on the circuits and three medal scoring systems.

- johnty92, saltburn england, 29/07/2011 15:06
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You have to wonder what Bernie was thinking (other than the obvious kerching!).

When ITV last had the contract for coverage, there was uproar from the fans as cuts to adverts at inopportune moments meant missing important action. Now, those who want to watch the entire season, will not only have to put up with those same adverts (probably more often) but will have to pay for the privilege.

F1 is ALL about money let's face it, but without a fanbase there is no money. Moving the sport from free to air where millions watched to a niche private broadcaster does nothing for the fanbase and ultimately will lose them money. There is absolutely no logic in this.

BBCF1 - if you have any sense, you'll find another compelling formula from around the world to bring us on a Sunday afternoon - there has to be something out there that's worth watching. Let's show Bernie "greedyguts" Ecclestone that he's made a big mistake.

Oh and when he comes crawling back, be sure to offer him no more than half what you were paying him this season.

- Jason, Bedfordshire, 29/07/2011 15:04
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i think this tv deal is great news..... well i would do wouldnt i i,d like to see sprinklers on the circuits and three medal scoring systems.

- johnty92, saltburn england, 29/07/2011 15:03
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Pathetic decision, perhaps you the BBC can show more rowing which is what the practice seesion on freewiew was recently replaced with or some insignificant tennis.

Bernie you told us all it wouldlnt be shown on a pay per view basis...what a joke. We all invested in HD kit and now we will have to put money in Murdoch's pocket to watch the world's most popular sport.

This is a very sad day for F1 and all the sponsors who require worldwide exposure for the vast sums of money they spend.

And as for the sky treament, how can that be better than what the award winning BBC team have just put together?

I have watched every race live since the bbc started bradcsting back in the 70s but now I won't watch any more. Bernie...Have you not enough money already!!!!

Perhaps if you had not given a german banker £27m...Karma will previal

- Mr Barrow, Macclesfield UK, 29/07/2011 14:52
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Everybody can still watch F1 for free, just get a cheap Astra 1 receiver at Lidl or Aldi, switch a disk to 19.2°E, and watch it on RTL. It also has ads but they are shown in split screen mode, commentary is in German but one can always mute it and set the radio to BBC5 Live...

- Heino, London, 29/07/2011 14:48
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I'm very hurt and feel let down nationally by the BBC but their are some plus sides to this news.... I think that everyone will turn off SKY and only watch BBC, i don't mind watching highlights as they will probably be at better times of the day and if this is what i have to do in order to avoid gicving Rupert Murdoch any of my hard earnt money then that's what i'll do. Does anyone remember back to the day when Berni tried this before and had sky broadcast differnt camaera angles, it fell flat on it's face and no one tuned in, i can see a carbon copy of this happening again. The f1 fan base is too big for SKY to think they can take use over and blackmail us into buying a dish and ruining the look of our houses with these horrid things! they ruined football and turned it from true grit footballers to one with handbags and the same will happen to F1 if bernie gets his way. I can't wait for us all to prove BBC is the best by seeing the failing viewing figuress next year for SKY and their 20 mill going down the drain.... I just pray that you Jake and the rest of the fantastic team of Martin, David, Eddie, Ted and Lee and all the production crew who bring this great show together stay with the BBC as it will be the final nail in the coffin if they manage to poach any member of the team. This the sadest day for F1 in years,and i hope the drivers get bhehind this too!

- Blaine Callaby, Weybridge, Surrey, 29/07/2011 14:47
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How will Sky show Football and Formula One on a sunday afternoon. Bernie how low could you go, selling out to the devil.

- Mr S.Port, London, 29/07/2011 14:45
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First of all, the BBC coverage has been first class. Hats off to Jake, Eddie, David, Martin and all the rest of the team. I have always watched F1 but you have made it such a joy the last few years - thank you so much.
I understand why the BBC have agreed to this new setup next year. They simply don't have the money to compete. However, that doesn't mean I am happy with it. Not one person I know will be forking out for Sky Sports to watch the coverage live, including myself. Why would I pay to see second rate presenters (always the case on Sky) try and do something new (which they will) when the BBC have produced a formula which cannot be improved on. They may get more worldwide viewers which is good for the sport but I definitely think there will be a huge reduction in viewers in the UK. Remember, a large percentage of the all the engineers and designers are all from the UK. Somebody in charge needs to remember where this sport originated and pay attention to the loyal fans. I went to one race last year in Germany and I am going to Italy this year. This is solely because of the BBC coverage which has me hooked more than ever.
I didn't used to watch as much when ITV did it because it was ruined by bad presenters and adverts - which is the only outcome I can see from Sky.

yours disappointingly

- Martin Hutton, Solihull, UK, 29/07/2011 14:32
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This is a sad day. I've followed F1 since early '80s, but I fear the sport I love will loose it's appeal. I will end up following it the same way as I follow football, a quick check of the results on the net or teletext.

- Adrian, Stirling Scotland, 29/07/2011 14:32
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pretty tough news to take.

Jake you and the team have done an outstanding job. I am and F1 addict as a result of the last 4 years, the emergence of Lewis and Jenson and the excellent coverage on the BBC.
I want to blame somebody but it seems like all parties have a part to play. BBC SKY and Bernie and co have all royally screwed over the average fan.
I as with many others on here will not be buying sky sports to watch F1. I love the sport but do not love sky and there exclusivity.

- Jonny, London, 29/07/2011 14:26
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A shame Jake as I feel you are being forced to toe the party line rather than say what you really think. There will be less viewers, less new fans; as so many thousands of F1 fans on Twitter are pointing out they can't afford the £45 p/m fee to watch every race live. Sky have good but far from outstanding coverage of many sports but if anyone thinks that on a Sunday afternoon they will give equal precedence to F1 and Premier League football they are mistaken. The teams have rightly expressed initial concerns about this deal and what it might mean for sponsorship and fan base. Either do F1 fully and properly or don't do it at all - do or do not, there is no try! I would rather BBC axed BBC4, BBC3 or minority stations such as BBC Radio 6 which can only be viewed by a handful of viewers rather than a flagship sport such as F1. It is a very sad day for F1 and motorsport in this country. Ecclestone and Murdoch. What a disasterous combination.

- J Tree, Essex, UK, 29/07/2011 14:25
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Immensely disappointing news. The BBC coverage has been exemplary and displays a real and genuine passion for the sport.

What I struggle to understand is the BBC's rationale - this is the most British of sports and a thriving industry all by itself, which touches, engages, employs and supports a huge number of licence-fee payers, as well as acting as a shop window for the best of British design, engineering and manufacturing.

The decision is short-sighted at best and, at worst, represents a prioritisation of cost over audience which, for a public service broadcaster, is nothing short of negligent.

I admit to being pro-BBC, but also acknowledge what Sky has done for sport - but their motivations are different. With some exceptions, Sky really displays its interest in making money, with genuine knowledge and enthusiasm for the sport coming second. The worst outcome is that this ethos is translated into F1, which will only be to the detriment of the sport.

I agree with comments above that, Jake, you have earned the right to be more openly critical of this decision. Irrespective of subscriptions, nobody stands to benefit from this and F1 enthusiasts and casual observers alike will only suffer as the sport becomes simply another slot filler in the Sky Sports schedule.

- Jamie, London, 29/07/2011 14:24
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Great just what we need, Sky with more sports to use as leverage to squeeze more money from everybody.

I’m not really one to express my options but the recent F1 broadcasting deals has really left me feeling let down by the BBC.

Also is it just me or is a deal to get only half the races totally and utterly pointless? If you’re a F1 fan you want to watch all the races and you’re forced to get Sky. If you’re not a F1 fan then you’re not going to watch half the races on the BBC anyway. Nice work BBC thanks. My suggestion would be cut the fringe low rating Radio and TV broadcast and put the money into keeping popular events.

Well I guess that’s the end of my time as an F1 fan.

- Pete F, Sheffield S,Yorks, 29/07/2011 14:23
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Sorry, not impressed!

Does the concorde agreement not say F1 has to be available on free to air TV. A breakaway F1 on the BBC maybe?

Free practice, qualifying and pre and post race coverage will littered with advert breaks spoiling a sport which is akin to 100% uninterrupted coverage.

Rubert Murdoch has taken a right ear bashing over recent weeks from the meadia and now they are making deals with his corporation.

All the action on BBC. Not anymore. How many viewers will there be on Sky. Currently 5million on the BBC but I can not see Sky maintaining anywhere near that number.

So reduced viewers, reduced income for teams, downhill all the way.

- Robert, Central London, 29/07/2011 14:19
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oh and i forgot to say i will never ever watch f1 again after this great brill season best ever coverage i think and i know another 4 people who have said the same thing they will NEVER ever watch it again!!that is 5 people straight away sky!!!!

- vincent flores, seaford england, 29/07/2011 14:18
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The BBC Coverage was absolutely top class!

Great insights + Great features + Great Presenters

I have Sky, but I just dont want to think of how it will be on there! Terrible I think!

Sky will probably Americanise it with their cheesy Sky Sports News music.

OH AND THIS PROBABLY MEANS ADVERST IN THE RACE!!!

- Ryan, Hertfordshire, 29/07/2011 14:16
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Is there any way we can buy it off Sky and give to BBC? I'm sure the millions of people watching in the UK as well as the millions who download it around the world would be willing to throw a few quid in? ITV was bad enough, but Sky....

On a more positive note, top, top job BBC. Thanks to all!

- talesfromthesaddle.com, Guatemala City, 29/07/2011 14:09
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I dont see how this can work for the benefit of the sport, and certainly not for the fans.

If F1, as reported gets an extra €20M from this deal as is reported, surely they will lose this and more from all the other teams sponsors as the viewing numbers will, without question, be significantly down. It robs Peter to pay Paul, and leaves the fans with a hole in their pocket?

The coverage on BBC has been fantastic, I dont know how SKY could better Martin, David, Eddie, Ted, Lee and of course, Jake. Will the team be broken up with some of them on SKY?

This is a sad day for F1. Bernie you have, I'm afraid, not thought this one through.

- Liam Whelan, Kildare, Ireland, 29/07/2011 14:07
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I can understand that the BBC may not be able to afford to keep the F1 coverage as it stands, but, like many fans I can't afford a Sky subscription.

The BBC have done an outstanding job, one that will be a tough act to follow, but surely they could afford non-HD, red button live coverage of every race? This would give those of us with low disposable income a way of keeping up with the sport we love.

- Ronnie Whelan, Chippenham, UK, 29/07/2011 14:04
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Yes, you're right, a fantastic job by the whole team and so doubly a kick in the teeth to all of you and to the F1 fans who watch this great coverage. This will also contribute greatly to the downfall of the BBC as a whole - just what is worth watching for the licence fee?

It's been this fantastic BBC coverage which has made the sport so popular and watched and so bankable for the likes of Bernie E and now, as repayment for this, the BBC are now being penalised for their success, priceless... The coverage of F1 is always top-notch, extremely professional, entertaining and interesting - perhaps these are qualities with which the BBC no longer wishes to be associated..?!

A very sad and a bad decision but hopefully even committed Sky viewers will find seeing races constantly interrupted with adverts, a nightmare - just as we all did when it was on ITV.

- CC, Somerset, UK, 29/07/2011 14:03
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hi i have only free/sat so why should i go and subscribe to sky sports only to watch formula one?? only sport i watch./ oh and funny how it had to be from rupert murdock is it to make up for the money he lost from news of the world??another thing he has done to annoy people in the country!!!

- vincent flores, seaford england, 29/07/2011 14:03
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You really can feel the anger across all media about this news.

As previously commented SKY comes flying in on the back of anothers huge investment and bags the prize.

I read that it was a decision of the BBC to either keep F1 or Wimbledon? I say keep both as they are greatly appreciated viewing by many sports fans and that for years they have cultivated great viewing media platforms in which you can get involved more than you ever could before!

I for one will not be investing in a SKY package and will most likely let F1 fall away from my list of interests.

SKY is the DEATHSTAR of television in this country and it is about time that there is more restrictions placed upon it on activities that unite a country such as sport.

- Mark, Central London, 29/07/2011 14:00
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Give over Jake, the sky coverage will be interspersed with adverts just as it was on ITV. I have enjoyed the coverage on the beeb immensely, and am so disappointed with this shift to Sky. Overall this will be bad for F1, less people will stay engaged with the season as they will not want to shift to Sky (cost and quality), the outcome will be falling ratings for all. Tell us what you really think!

- Jonathan, Billingham, UK, 29/07/2011 13:59
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Yes, you're right, a fantastic job by the whole team and so doubly a kick in the teeth to all of you and to the F1 fans who watch this great coverage. This will also contribute greatly to the downfall of the BBC as a whole - just what is worth watching for the licence fee?

It's been this fantastic BBC coverage which has made the sport so popular and watched and so bankable for the likes of Bernie E and now, as repayment for this, the BBC are now being penalised for their success, priceless... The coverage of F1 is always top-notch, extremely professional, entertaining and interesting - perhaps these are qualities with which the BBC no longer wishes to be associated..?!

A very sad and a bad decision but hopefully even committed Sky viewers will find seeing races constantly interrupted with adverts, a nightmare - just as we all did when it was on ITV.

- CC, Somerset, UK, 29/07/2011 13:58
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The BBC should just shut down.

The TV License fee should now offset against SKY fees.

BBC - Typical of a left wing organisation when the right wing are in charge.

- Michael, London, 29/07/2011 13:57
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As a non SKY subscriber I will no longer be able to watch all ~20 races live in HD as free to air, of course I could now subscribe to Sky HD with sports package at a cost of £50/mth to continue viewing all practices, qualifying and races live.
But I have no need for for Sky neither do I want it so If I did subscribe at £50 per month to watch 10 races over a season means I will have to pay £60 per race weekend to watch something that should be free to air.

Back in May this year Mr Ecclestone again confirmed F1 will 'always' be free to air in the UK, he also stated that it would be "suicide to sell out to Sky" as they are a subscription service. (Mirror interview 08/05/11)

On top of this, what about the concorde agreement? the agreement which has a clause saying F1 will be free to air?? by doing a fifty split is this a loophole which has been taken advantage of?

Probably 50% of F1 fans already have Skysports HD and to then this is not an issue but what about the other 50%, do you really expect them to pay £60 a race or are BBC's record 10Million viewing figures about to drop very drastically.

This is a very bad decision by F1. a big step backwards for the sport just as it was getting bigger and bigger by every race due to the fantastic BBC coverage.

I just hope this will be reported impartiality by the BBC tomorrow, no one will believe any spin or positives from the BBC over this.

Lets see how this pans out. I hope it does not damage the sport to much.

- Scott Richards, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, 29/07/2011 13:55
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The BBC coverage has been excellent. A good team and no adverts. ITV coverage in the past has been OK'ish too, apart from the incessant adverts. When you came back from the ads you had always missed something important.

So at last we had ad free and free to view F1 on the BBC.

I don't care what Sky has done for other Sports, I have no interest on those Sports, especially Football & Cricket. I don't want Sky, I don't like Sky, I don't the the awful organisation that owns Sky (NI), though thankfully not all of it now.....

This is just a massive sell-out by Bernie and Formula One Management, and goes against the hints that he made in the past about this all being a fictional non-story, just a rumour.

Shame on Formula 1! .......

- Graham Laing, Glasgow, Scotland, 29/07/2011 13:54
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Has anyone else noticed that it isn't possible to post comments on this story on the BBC web site? Anyone would think that they didn't want the feedback from license payers. VERY poor.

- Bah humbug, London, United Kingdom, 29/07/2011 13:54
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This is disgraceful. there are other things the BBC could before cutting down there coverage of F1. bernie eccelstone has said 'it is good for f1' never heard more rubbish in my life. the bbc coverage is the best it has ever been and now it will tbe spoilt in 2012 by sky. i dont have sky and i dont think we ever will so i will only see 10 races a sason from next year. i expect by the end of the contract sky will take over the rights for f1 completly. the BBC should be ashamed of themselves.why should programs like 'flog it' be kept on and the F1 coverage shortened. i expect that next season the viewing figures for F1 on both sky and bbc will go down.

- steven, Farnborough UK, 29/07/2011 13:51
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You guys in the BBC did a brilliant job with F1. I am another life long fan that will not be watching the coming seasons. Bernie should be ashamed of himself. This is a good deal for him and bad deal for F1. Again Jake, great job. Sorry to hear this bad news

- Graham Byrne, Dublin Ireland, 29/07/2011 13:46
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Knew you would pander to this deal to make sure you have every chance to still get the job next year. Grow a back bone Jake and admit this is terrible for the sport. All the effort to increase viewer numbers after the first half of the last decade will be wiped away instantly.

I'm sure the populace will join me in getting the full races (in hd) whatever way we can without having to pay £600 a year and watch adverts. And that is to check and support your local torrent/usenet website. Seems like a pretty obvious choice to me.

- Skyanditsownerscangoto, Hell, 29/07/2011 13:41
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It is a sad day for F1 fans in the uk. When all the talk was about News Corp trying to buy F1 Bernie stated that F1 has to stay free to air. What has happened?! I have no interest in sport outside of F1 and cycling. Maybe I should stop my TV licence direct debit, stop watching BBC content and use the money to pay the over inflated subscription to receive SkyFootball. (read Sky Sports).

- Alex Foster, Oswestry UK, 29/07/2011 13:39
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Great column, I agree that the BBC has excellent F1 coverage and don't want to lose it, but it is a big ask to expect F1 fans to have to pay to get the full seasons live coverage. Even those who can afford it, the chances are the BBC will lose out, as why watch something that is on BBC when you are paying so much to have access to it on Sky?
The BBC have come to this agreement with Sky and Mr Eccelstone without consultation with the viewing public, as a publically funded institution the viewing public should have been asked for their views.
We all know that part of the reason (though no one seems to be truly referring to it) is that the BBC are taking drastic cost cutting measures at the moment and F1 is a causulty of this but like some people have mentioned via #bbcf1 on twitter, when was the last time the BBC got 8 million plus viewers on a Sunday afternoon for reruns of Diagnosis Murder
and Bargin Hunt?
Oh well there is not much we the public can do about this, the decisions have already been made, I just hope that as someone who has been a life long F1 fan I don't lose the will to watch it, (yes I can listen to it on BBC radio 5live but that is besides the point, F1 is such a visual sport) If I'm brutally honest I shouldn't have to wait for highlights at some rediculas hour, possibly hours after the race has finished and after the news has already announced to result!
Oh and I do feel for the BBC staff who will undoubtedly lose their jobs because of this decision!

- Illiana kenyon, Newcastle UK, 29/07/2011 13:39
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I think the BBC coverage has been wonderful, and has just the right mix of technical and talk - who knows what it will be like in the future, I will remain faithful and watch the races that are covered on BBC, however I wont be able to watch the Sky races which as a F1 fan through and through I am not going to be looking forward to. Let's make the most of the 2010-2011 season - thank you Jake and the BBC F1 crew!

- Heidi, Kent, 29/07/2011 13:36
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The BBC coverage has been superb. SKY will probably throw everything they can at their coverage, BUT how many fans can afford the extra cost!

Premier Football, Major Boxing, Cricket and now F1. Too many great sports are not available truly free to air. SKY have a monopoly in their platform, they are too big. Sports fans should have more alternative ways to access coverage.

F1 fans will lose out with this new deal.

- Nick, Pinner, UK, 29/07/2011 13:36
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Knew you would pander to this deal to make sure you have every chance to still get the job next year. Grow a back bone Jake and admit this is terrible for the sport. All the effort to increase viewer numbers after the first half of the last decade will be wiped away instantly.

I'm sure the populace will join me in getting the full races (in hd) whatever way we can without having to pay £600 a year and watch adverts. And that is to check and support your local torrent/usenet website. Seems like a pretty obvious choice to me.

- Skyanditsownerscangoto, Hell, 29/07/2011 13:35
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I personally cannot afford to change my tv (and hence my broadband and phone) package over to sky for one sport. If I did, I could not then afford to pay EXTRA for sky sports. I am a massive F1 fan, I love getting together with friends to watch qualifying and the race and the forum afterwards. It is such a shame that this is happening, especially since the contract with the BBC was until 2013.

The BBC coverage is outstanding, a class apart, and it would be a crying shame for all that hard work to go to waste. The presenters and commentators have a fantastic rapport not only with each other but also with the fans. Their insight and knowledge adds another dimension to the coverage and all this is likely to go down the pan with the new deal. Frankly this seems a very short-sighted and certainly profit-driven venture.

I, along with many other fans, am desperately disappointed and expect I shall have to try and watch next season's races in the pub, assuming one will show them.

- Fran, London, UK, 29/07/2011 13:34
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Absolutely disgusted with the news that Sky is getting the lions share of F1 on the TV I havent got Sky as its too expensive and will not subscribe to it so in the long run then I will be falling away from supporting F1 I guess. Formula 1 teams should unite to keep F1 on free to air TV

- John, Bristol, 29/07/2011 13:33
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How this deal can be described by all involved as good for the F1 fan escapes me!
Good on the BBC F1 team, the quality of build up and coverage has been so much better than previously and this must be a kick in the teeth for all involved.
A very sad day, but not for sky......

- Al Simmons, Newbury, Berks, 29/07/2011 13:32
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Jake, I could sense the disappointment in your voice, when I heard you with Moyles this morning. I'd just like to add my thanks to you and the rest of the BBC team for the superlative coverage you have given us over the past couple of years.

But Bernie has got this totally wrong. There's a lot of outrage over the internet today and I fear huge audiences will walk away from the sport - not what the teams want. Vive la revolution!

- Simon, London, 29/07/2011 13:31
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My problem with the sky bid is this; Sky basically sits and waits for a broadcaster to invest a huge amount of time & money into getting something just right then bids for the rights, that's what it has just done with F1, it sat and watched the BBC improve and invent and gain great access than ever before to build a fan-base of new viewers while constantly surprising and delighting old ones .

There's no doubt that the BBC F1 coverage of the last few years has hugely increased the audience and popularity of the sport and for that, you and the team should be rightly proud.

- Nigel Buck, Bristol UK, 29/07/2011 13:30
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I bet that in 1 years time the BBC will stop airing live races and only do highlights.
I would rather pay more in my licence fee if it meant keeping F1 on the BBC

- Simon, London, 29/07/2011 13:28
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Sad day for UK's F1 fans. Once again the big bully hijacking the peoples entertainment. What is left for us? Satellite dishes & empty plates

- Jay, London, UK, 29/07/2011 13:28
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My problem with the sky bid is this; Sky basically sits and waits for a broadcaster to invest a huge amount of time & money into getting something just right then bids for the rights, that's what it has just done with F1, it sat and watched the BBC improve and invent and gain great access than ever before to build a fan-base of new viewers while constantly surprising and delighting old ones .

There's no doubt that the BBC F1 coverage of the last few years has hugely increased the audience and popularity of the sport and for that, you and the team should be rightly proud.

- Nigel Buck, Bristol UK, 29/07/2011 13:28
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As Charlie Sheen said "WINNING!"

- Aaron Fothergill, Horsham UK, 29/07/2011 13:17
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As reported in ES today "Jake Humphrey: I'm proud of the effort that our whole BBC team put into F1".

You can't say any fairer than that really, the team have done and execellent job and it is a BIG shame that this daft decision has been made.

The public outcry across all media today is testimont that this is the wrong decision and the fan base watching F1 going forward under SKY will diminish as a result!

The BBC should hang it's head in shame for this.

- Mark, Central London, 29/07/2011 13:16
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