5 reasons Sky Sports are in pole position to deliver great Formula 1 coverage

In July last year it was announced that the BBC had surrendered its right to exclusively broadcast Formula 1 in the UK so that it could redirect funds towards retaining other high profile events such as Wimbledon. Given the harsh economic climate, the sacrifice was hardly unexpected.

Always eager to expand his empire, it was Rupert Murdoch that revved his engines in the Sky pit lane and raced to the rescue. While the Beeb will still to show half of the 20 races live and have highlights of the other ten, Sky will show every race in its entirety for the first time ever. Having revolutionised the scope and manner in which football is broadcast in this country, it’s safe to say that grand prix fans are in for a treat.

Granted, the Sky’s coverage will have to be paid for as part of a subscription service, but in return motor racing’s blue riband competition will be subject to such exhaustive coverage even the most avid petrol-head will be beaming with delight.

Here’s why Quidblog reckons the Sky Sports F1 channel will prove a major success…

Comprehensive analysis

If you thought giant iPads were the preserve of Gary Neville on Super Sunday…think again. No longer will a single slow-motion replay suffice when analysing why a grumpy Lewis Hamilton decided to ram Fernando Alonso off the track why grinning like a maniac. Oh no, expect all sorts of snazzy graphics, touch-screen finger swiping and more lap-times than you can shake a chequered flag at.

Moreover with every practice and qualifying session covered live, a Friday evening magazine show discussing the latest news and all shows available on your mobile, tablet, laptop and television via Sky Go you’ll never miss a second.

A team of champions

The BBC were rightly lauded for their race day coverage. Fronted by the amiable Jake Humphrey and with David Coulthard and Eddie Jordan always in playful and combative mood respectively there was a great camaraderie in and around the pit lane. That being said in Quidblog’s opinion it was always Martin Brundle who stole the show.

Charging between cars, thrusting his microphone in the face of celebs and drivers alike and speaking at a speed even the fastest engine would envy his insights were always fascinating - it’s little wonder therefore, that Sky offered him a big bucks contract to lure him away from the Beeb. In addition to Brundle, ex-World Champion Damon Hill will provide analysis, legendary broadcaster Steve Rider will conduct interviews while glamorous sports specialists Georgie Thompson and Natalie Pinkham will likely add the kind of glitz which F1 revels in.

No adverts

When Formula 1 moved to ITV in the noughties the channel came in for huge criticism for broadcasting adverts during races. Similar fears were aired when it was announced that commercially driven Sky would be taking over, but those have since been put to rest.

When the action is in full flow there is no chance you’ll be disturbed by pesky washing-up adverts, or women in red swimsuits talking about wheat-based cereal products. None at all. That means unparalleled access to race action from 20 destinations around the globe. You can’t say fairer than that.

The extras

It’s universally acknowledged that Formula 1 aficionados are some of the most hard-core sports fans out there. It’s not for nothing that Sky have, for the first time ever, dedicated an entire channel to a single sport! Of course, with an entire channel comes a responsibility to provide worthwhile viewing material.

In addition to showing all 20 races and every practice and qualifying session, Sky Sports F1 also promises to deliver a series of interviews with legends of the sport and a Friday evening news programme. Perhaps most interesting though is the inclusion of live coverage of GP2 and GP3 races where supporters can keep up-to-date with the net generation of driving starlets.

A mouth-watering promo

Quidblog is well aware of the difference between talking the talk and walking the walk…but you can’t help but feel positive vibes about Sky’s ability to do Formula 1 real justice when you watch their latest promo video. In five minutes of gloriously cut footage they capture the true essence of motorsport. Check it out below…

If you’re keen to watch all this season’s Formula 1 action but don’t yet have Sky, make sure you check out the great cashback deals available via Quidco. Sky Sports F1 will be available free to Sky+ HD customers and those who subscribe to Sky Sports 1 & 2. Use our bundle builder and you could earn up to £160 cashback.

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