Formula E renews BBC TV deal for free-to-air UK broadcast
Formula E has renewed its TV deal with the BBC to broadcast live and free-to-air coverage of the electric championship in the UK during the 2021 season.
Races will continue to be shown live across its various platforms – on the BBC Sport website, via the BBC iPlayer and on the BBC Red Button – with select races airing on BBC television channels should scheduling constraints allow.
This follows a partnership formed last year between FE and BBC Global News, which will allow for the creation of online films that go ‘behind the scenes’ and 'showcase meaningful fans stories'.
FE chief media officer Aarti Babas said: "Extending our partnership with the BBC gives us the platform to bring the unpredictable action of our all-electric racing to people in the UK on mainstream channels and the popular BBC digital channels, as we also look to engage the next generation of sports fans around the world with our BBC Global News content partnership."
The 2021 FIA Formula E World Championship season begins with the double-header Diriyah E-Prix round in Saudi Arabia across 26-27 February. These will be the first night races in FE history.
Similarly, the inaugural Extreme E campaign will be broadcast via the same BBC platforms in addition to a one-year deal to have its races shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland.
The XE package will also include highlights, previews and reviews plus a magazine-style show that will focus on elements such as equality, electrification and environmental sustainability.
The maiden FE campaign in 2014-15 was first televised live on ITV4, before moving to Channel 5 and BT Sport.
Diriyah E-Prix broadcast schedule:
Free practice one – 1510 GMT on Thursday 25 February
Free practice two – 1055 GMT on Friday 26 February
Qualifying – 1245 GMT on Friday 26 February
Race one – 1620 GMT on Friday 26 February
Free practice three – 1040 GMT on Saturday 27 February
Qualifying – 1245 GMT on Saturday 27 February
Race two – 1630 GMT on Saturday 27 February
Related video
Previous article
Wehrlein keen to avenge Mahindra near-misses with Porsche
Next article
FE's future "bright" despite Audi, BMW exits - Gunther
About this article
| Series | Formula E |
The eight major plotlines to watch in Formula E 2021
The delayed 2020-21 Formula E season gets underway this week with a double-header in Saudi Arabia. The testing times were too close to call a favourite, but that's not the only area of interest to follow as the championship enters a crucial year
Why Formula E's 2021 season will be a crucial litmus test
As off-track politics threatens to overshadow events on it, the upcoming Formula E season is perhaps its most important since the championship's inception. And that's a shame, given that the focus should be on what promises to be its closest title fight yet.
How Mercedes and Porsche can avoid a difficult second FE album
Mercedes and Porsche compete to win and have done so across the board: in Formula 1, sportscars, the Dakar Rally and endurance road races - even working together to break land speed records. Next in the crosshairs is the Formula E teams' championship crown.
What Formula E must do for McLaren to act on its attraction
News that McLaren is formally considering a Formula E move is a much-needed boost for a series that took some punches at the end of 2020. But to allay any doubts that Zak Brown may have, FE must take action on its biggest potential stumbling block
Why BMW and Audi have pulled the plug on Formula E
BMW and Audi shocked the Formula E fraternity by announcing their departures at the end of the 2020-21 season. Overnight, the championship has been dealt something of a "wake-up call" - including questions about its relevance to manufacturers.
What we learned from Formula E's Valencia test
There was no shortage of intrigue surrounding Formula E's pre-season test at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, dominated by talk of Audi's impending exit. But it still served to whet appetites for the start of another competitive season in January
The logic behind Audi’s surprise change of course
OPINION: Audi announcing its imminent Formula E departure on the eve of its first season with world championship status might come as something of a shock. But while it doesn't equate to a rejection of VW's electrification push, there is reason to it...
How Formula E's pre-season test venue provides confusion and clarity
The Formula E grid heads to Valencia's Circuit Ricardo Tormo for pre-season testing and the track, minus the controversial chicane, leaves the circuit unrepresentative to the series' familiar street layouts but could still be a proving ground for multiple reasons.
