FOM signs new TV rights deal with Vivendi CANAL+

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Formula 1 has signed its first major post-Eccelstone era media rights deal as it agrees to a multi-year contract with France's CANAL+, a Vivendi Group company.

The deal, which extends the broadcaster's initial 2013 agreement, will begin in March 2018 and run until 2020.

CANAL+ rights include all Grand Prix events as well as Formula 2 and GP3. As a reminder, France, which enjoys a strong heritage in F1, will make a welcome return to the F1 calendar next year

Beyond CANAL+ broadcast, Vivendi Group Major companies will also strive to develop transverse partnerships with Formula 1 in digital, gaming, music and entertainment.

Sean Bratches, Managing Director, Commercial Operations at Formula 1 said:

"We look forward to the continuation of our long-standing relationship with CANAL+ and the Vivendi Group that resets the marketplace for integrated media and marketing partnerships, which stand to support and build our respective businesses and provide value for both Formula 1 fans and CANAL+ customers.

"Formula 1 fans are the big winners with the planned marketing and brand building integration opportunities, utilising Vivendi’s far-reaching leadership in music, film, long and short form TV, digital and gaming.

"We are pleased to have completed this deal in time for the return of the French Grand Prix to Formula 1 in 2018 and look forward to putting on a great show for our fans in France."

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Group CANAL+ CEO Maxime Saada was equally happy with the new deal.

"This successful outcome will come as a reward to the efforts of the CANAL+ Sports team headed by Thierry Cheleman.

"They demonstrated their ability to innovate in the coverage of this major event, which earned CANAL+ the prize for the best broadcaster in 2014.

"The deal will reach a whole new dimension within the Vivendi Group, which will strive to extend the partnership with FOM on digital with Dailymotion, gaming and music."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.