Sky Sports to launch dedicated HD F1 channel

Sky Sports will create a dedicated High Definition F1 channel for the 2012 season, during the first term of its multi-year deal to broadcast the sport across a wide range of platforms. Every practice, qualifying and race session will be shown live, with the UK-based company also promising a ‘behind the scenes’ angle for fans.

It has also been confirmed that the channel will be made available free of charge for customers who already subscribe to Sky Sports 1, Sky Sports 2 or the HD pack.

"Formula 1 followers are hungry for more and we want to give them the ultimate experience. It's not just every minute of every race but a channel devoted to Formula 1," explained Barney Francis, Managing Director of Sky Sports.

"We can now tell the whole story of the season, from every Grand Prix, from start to finish. Formula 1 will get the full Sky Sports treatment. We have big plans for live shows and a rich line-up of Formula 1 programs; getting to the drivers, exploring the technology and lapping up the drama.

"With a dedicated channel for Formula 1 we can also give all sports fans the depth and breadth of sports they demand every weekend, right through the year."

In 2002, F1 Digital+ was trialed for one season before ultimately being closed down; the specific F1 channel offering subscribers a similar service to Sky’s new package.