Motorsport bloggers have dedicated many keystrokes to discussing what the BBC might have in store for us when it re-acquires the broadcast rights to Formula One next year. But as yet there’s little concrete news about its plans.
Which is why this story published on its website just now about the future of MotoGP coverage is interesting.
It details exactly what the Corporation plans to do with a five-year extension to its current contract to show the word’s premier bike-racing competition.
And it therefore might give a few pointers as to what us F1 fans can expect:
BBC signs long-term MotoGP deal
The deal until 2013 includes the rights to show all the races – 125cc, 250cc and MotoGP, plus qualifying sessions.
All MotoGP races will be shown live on BBC TV with the 125 and 250 races, and qualifying sessions shown live on interactive TV and online.
As well as added interactive coverage MotoGP races will be on BBC iPlayer. Read full story here…
We know already that the BBC plans to significantly improve its interactive coverage of F1. And the latest presenter rumours have got David Coulthard and Jonathan Legard in the commentary box, Martin Brundle as the anchor and as many of the Top Gear chaps as you like knocking about for light relief.
Anthony Davidson also made a highly-regarded return to the Radio Five Live commentary team during the British Grand Prix so, if the gods don’t smile on his bid to find a race drive, maybe he’ll become a regular fixture.
iPlayer availability would certainly be very much appreciated – because if, for any reason, you happen not to be in front of a TV when the race is broadcast, it’s currently impossible to get access to anything better than an hour-long highlights package.
Being able to replay the full race at will, assuming iPlayer is up to the technical challenge of a three-hour long screening, would be simply awesome. If the Indy Racing League can do it, surely the Beeb has the wherewithal too?
A major highlight of this season has been the ability to watch televised GP2 races (even if the commentators and presenters do sometimes cause solid objects to be hurled in the direction of the screen).
It would be nice to think that the BBC’s commitment to a range of MotoGP races signals a similar attitude to all the races staged during a grand prix weekend.