ITV's Coverage of Formula 1 in 1997

So, ITV are taking over the coverage of Formula 1 in the UK at the start of the 1997 season. This is potentially a worrying turn of events for the avid Grand Prix fan. For example, ITV are a commercial channel, and as such have advert breaks. Formula 1 just isn't one of those sports which lends itself to being interrupted by adverts. However, Eurosport have covered Formula 1, complete with advert breaks, and often return from an advert break with comments akin to

"And we return to our coverage, with the top 10 drivers all having been taken out in one accident, which, unfortunately, everyone missed."

I have heard that one of the preconditions of the contract being awarded to ITV was that they had to show all the races live and uninterrupted. Let's hope so.

Another potential problem is in the timing of some of the races. Some would need to be broadcast during the Sunday evening 'God slot', which is sure to cause concern for the Thora Hurd fans. I believe that the provision of these programmes is a condition of the ITV franchise, so there is obviously some potential for conflict between the two opposing camps!

Another worry was in the possible choice of commentators. Luckily, over recent weeks the great Murray Walker has announce that he will be moving to ITV with the Formula 1 coverage, so at least all is not lost on that front!

In fairness, we should really give ITV a chance to show their coverage before criticising it too greatly. We may well be surprised at how well they cover the races in the future. Here's to a good season of motor racing.

Last updated: 09 January 2001