Formula E has officially announced a huge return to free-to-air television in the United Kingdom, in a new broadcast partnership with ITV.
The all-electric series moved off free-to-air (FTA) television for the first-time in its history in the UK last season, in a multi-year deal with Warner Bros. which saw the category air behind a paywall on TNT Sports.
This was met with significant disapproval by FE's UK fanbase, due to the high cost to watch TNT. FE will still air on TNT, with a multi-year deal having been signed ahead of Season 10.
However, in the new partnership with ITV, nine races will be aired live on ITV4, whilst all 16 rounds will be available live on ITVX, via its free streaming channel.
All qualifying sessions and races will be available live on ITVX, whilst a bespoke highlights show will air in a regular weekend time slot on ITV4.
The São Paulo season-opener, Miami, race two in Shanghai and the Jeddah, Monaco and Tokyo double-headers are the selected rounds to air live on ITV4.
For Season 11, FE's live coverage and new highlights show will be presented by Nicki Shields, who is becoming the category's new lead presenter.
Former lead presenter and ex-footballer Jermaine Jenas has not been retained, following complaints about workplace conduct.
“We’re delighted to offer UK and Ireland fans even greater access to our incredible championship via our two fantastic media partners - TNT Sport and now ITV - giving them more ways to watch and taking them even closer to the sport," said Aarti Dabas, FE's chief media officer.
"With our new post-race weekend highlights show on ITV, fans will be able to get bespoke content directly from the paddock helping educate, excite and entertain new and loyal fans alike.
"We can’t wait to bring our fans more track-side action and continue to grow the sport."
For Season 11, Shields will be supported by an array of returning pundits, including, Karun Chandhok, David Coulthard, Billy Monger, Catie Munnings, André Lotterer, Allan McNish and James Rossiter.
“This new deal brings Formula E fans some of the biggest races across Season 11 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship," Richard Botchway, Assistant Commissioner, ITV Sport.
"We are delighted to be the free-to-air partner and look forward to welcoming Formula E to ITV and ITVX.”
Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes, Sam Coop and Nick Golding, as they dissect the Las Vegas GP and look ahead to Qatar! Max Verstappen's title success was a main talking point, as was the mounting pressure on McLaren in the F1 constructors' title fight.
Rather watch the podcast? Then click here!
Most read
In this article
Join the conversation!