BBC Reveal Details on F1 Coverage for 2009

The waiting period is over! The BBC have finally unveiled their media coverage for Formula 1 throughout the upcoming season. According to a press release from the BBC, they will broadcast all free practice sessions, qualifying and races in 2009.

While BBC One is scheduled to cover all F1 events in 2009 except for the Brazilian Grand Prix, BBC 2 will therefore be handed the qualifying session of the Interlagos event. On their return to broadcast Formula 1 action, the British corporation will present its viewers with an interactive TV service called “red button”.

“The BBC's red button interactive TV service will broadcast live coverage of all on-track sessions - Friday and Saturday practice, qualifying and race. There will be an additional interactive analysis programme following on from the end of the BBC One coverage of each race,” announced the BBC website.

Also new will be the three different video streams available for F1 fans on race days, including “the main network feed with a choice of commentary from BBC One and BBC Radio 5 Live; a split screen comprising the main network feed; an in-car camera feed and leaderboard,” as confirmed by the aforementioned source.

As far as radio enthusiasts are concerned, Radio 5 Live's coverage will be provided by leading commentator David Croft, helped by former F1 driver Anthony Davidson as the expert analyst and Holly Samos as pit-lane reporter. Murray Walker will continue to be part of the F1 program despite the switch of F1 coverage from ITV, as he will provide worldwide fans with video race reviews and F1 columns on BBC Sport website.

BBC also announced the launch of the BBC F1 website days before the season opener in Australia, scheduled March the 27th.