Fox Deportes Drops Flag On Formula One Coverage
Fox Deportes has revved up a rights deal for Spanish-language coverage of Formula One racing in the U.S.
The agreement, terms of which were not disclosed, encompasses the final four races of the 2010 season, plus full-season packages in 2011 and 2012.Sister services Speed and Fox broadcast network hold the English-language rights to the Formula One circuit in the States.
First up: Fox Deportes, previously Fox Sports en Espanol, will televise the Japanese Grand Prix on Oct. 10 at 1 a.m. (ET). ), followed by the Korean Grand Prix (Oct. 24), the Brazilian Grand Prix (Nov. 7) and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Nov. 14). In addition to race coverage, Fox Deportes is also planning to cover qualifying for each event.
The battle for the Formula One world championship this season is as tight, with Australian Mark Webber (Red Bull/Renault) holding an 11-point lead (202-191) over Spaniard, Fernando Alonso (Ferrari). Webber boasts wins in Spain, Monaco, Great Britain and Hungary, eight podiums and 14 points finishes this season. Alonso has victories in Bahrain, Germany, Italy and Singapore, seven podiums and 12 points finishes.
"Formula One racing is one of the most popular sports on the international stage," said Fox Deports executive vice president and general manager Vincent Cordero in announcing the rights acquisition. "We're excited to be adding four races this year and full coverage in 2011 and 2012 to the Fox Deportes schedule. F1 is world-class programming that is sure to resonate with our U.S. Latino audience, particularly with the 2011 debut of Mexican driver Sergio Perez who will race for the BMW Sauber Team."
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