F1 will not add more free-to-air TV coverage this year

Formula 1 will not increase its allocation of free-to-air television coverage of races this year despite the sport's delayed and truncated 2020 season.

As the world slowly eases its lockdown measures and live sports return to TV, several major promoters and sports organisers, such as football leagues, are allowing free-to-air channels to broadcast events in a bid to revive public interest.

However, F1 does not plan to makes any changes to its current arrangements with its broadcast partners.

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"F1 has existing contracts in place for broadcast and it is right we honour those commitments with our long-term partners," said Formula 1 in a statement on its website.

"Silverstone will host two events, with one of those events available live as Free-to-air (FTA) within the UK. Each market situation is different and has comprehensive highlight packages to complement the live broadcast of the races."

In the UK, Sky holds the exclusive rights for live broadcasting of the F1 world championship, with the exception of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone which will also be shown live on Britain's Channel 4.

The second event at Silverstone, entitled the 'Emirates Formula 70th Anniversary Grand Prix' will oly be shown live on Sky, with Channel 4 restricted to its usual delayed highlight package.

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