P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Formula E will return to free-to-air TV in the UK for the 2024-25 season after striking a deal for ITV to show all of its qualifying sessions and races. Sam Smith explains why this is a major boost for the series
Formula E has secured a deal with ITV to broadcast all qualifying sessions and races for the 2024-25 season on free-to-air TV in the UK. This move is seen as a positive step towards increasing exposure for the series, which has ambitious targets to reach. Fans in the UK have been eagerly anticipating this change, as they’ve had limited live coverage options in the past year with a subscription-based service. The new agreement will see all 16 races and qualifying sessions aired live on both ITV4 and ITVX, with additional highlights shows following each race weekend. This partnership with ITV will offer extensive coverage for Formula E fans, with some key races like the season-opener in Sao Paulo and the double-headers in Miami, Shanghai, Jeddah, Monaco, and Tokyo broadcast live on ITV4. The UK is a crucial market for Formula E, with the majority of its teams based there and multiple races held in London. The decision to offer more races on free-to-air TV reflects Formula E’s efforts to rebuild after the challenges posed by the global pandemic and previous broadcasting arrangements.