Formula E has returned to free-to-air television in the UK via a deal with ITV, one of the country’s oldest terrestrial broadcasters.
The electronic motorsports series’ 11th season will be distributed by ITV, encompassing the 16 E-Prix and qualifying sessions of the ABB FIA Formula E World Cup.
These fixtures will be broadcast on ITV4, one of its linear freeview television channels, and ITVX, its streaming platform. The channels will also host nine live races and a bespoke highlights show.
Richard Botchway, Assistant Commissioner, ITV Sport, said: “This new deal brings Formula E fans some of the biggest races across Season 11 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. We are delighted to be the free-to-air partner and look forward to welcoming Formula E to ITV and ITVX.”
The arrangement further establishes ITVX as an increasingly prominent force in UK sports broadcasting. The outlet’s coverage includes Serie A football, grade one horse racing, and rugby union, the latter including the English Premiership and Six Nations.
Formula E has established itself a notable fixture on the global sports scene, having held its inaugural season in 2014/15. Its 10-year history has seen a plethora of broadcasting deals, with the company’s UK media presence notably varying across multiple organisations.
The BBC was the main UK broadcast partner of the league for several years, but it later moved to Channel 4 – another FTA broadcaster and one with a historic association with motorsports – before moving to pay TV broadcaster TNT Sports last year.
Though a deal with ITV may prove less lucrative than subscriber-based TNT Sports, the series’ return to FTA TV may prove useful in further growing its fanbase and reach.
Aarti Dabas, Chief Media Officer at Formula E, said: “We’re delighted to offer UK and Ireland fans even greater access to our incredible championship via our two fantastic media partners – TNT Sport and now ITV – giving them more ways to watch and taking them even closer to the sport.
“With our new post-race weekend highlights show on ITV, fans will be able to get bespoke content directly from the paddock helping educate, excite and entertain new and loyal fans alike. We can’t wait to bring our fans more track-side action and continue to grow the sport.”
