RTL retains Formula One rights

RTL Television and Formula One World Championship are extending their partnership, meaning that the Cologne-based channel will continue to show the F1 races.

Formula One has been an established and important element of the programmes offered by RTL for nearly twenty-five years, commented Frank Hoffmann (pictured, right), director of programming, RTL Television. The Formula One broadcasts have been a unique success story for us, which we of course want to continue. We are firmly convinced that these greatest of all motor racing events will remain highly popular with TV sports fans. The fast pace of the races, the strong German component both on the driver and on the manufacturer side, reliably good ratings over nine months and an attractive advertising environment make the rights to this race series one of the most attractive and sought-after sports deals in the world.

The term of the new TV deal starts in 2016, in the 25th anniversary year, and ends after the 2017 season. During this time, RTL will have the exclusive German free TV rights to all advertising elements of each Formula One racing weekend, including the free training, qualifying and actual races, and the prize-giving. The contract also covers various sublicensing rights.

We are delighted to have been given the chance to air another two intense Formula One years on RTL, said Manfred Loppe, head of RTL Television Sports. The last two races in particular have confirmed our belief that Formula One guarantees real TV highlights time and again because it is so unpredictable. And that's why we are looking forward to the second thrilling and action-packed half of the 2015 season and lots more close-run races. Sebastian Vettel and his colleagues will certainly give Mercedes a run for their money, and the audience at home will get to see some hot duels, all for free!

Bernie Ecclestone (pictured, left), Formula One Group CEO, added: I am pleased that we have extended our long-term contract with RTL. 2016 will see the 25th anniversary of unbroken RTL FIA Formula One World Championship broadcasts. RTL has always presented Formula One to the German market in an excellent way, in terms of the widest-possible reporting as well as the outstanding level of journalism and high production standards, which give millions of TV viewers unique insights into Formula One.

www.rtlgroup.com

LINK:	http://www.tvbeurope.com/rtl-retains-formula-one-rights/...
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