ITV Sport is finalising a deal with North One Television for the exclusive production of its Formula One coverage.

This would start with this weekend’s F1 season preview, and the first race of the season in Bahrain on March 11 and 12.  

The coverage will feature a new on-screen line-up, which will include award-winning presenter Steve Rider making his return both to ITV and to Formula 1.

Rider will be joined by Martin Brundle, Mark Blundell, Louise Goodman, Ted Kravitz and commentator James Allen, alongside guest appearances from experts including David Coulthard, Johnny Herbert and Eddie Jordan.

There will also be new graphics, a new title sequence featuring some of the top names in the sport, and a new theme courtesy of Grammy award-winning artist Moby.

North One Television, part of the All3media Group, have a long heritage in producing motor sport for television – producing ITV’s coverage of the World Rally Championships as well as previously co-producing ITV’s Formula One coverage with Granada Sport.

ITV Director of Sport Mark Sharman said: “We have taken a long hard look at all aspects of  F1, including the creative and editorial approach as well as the financial equation. At this point it makes sense to commission the programmes as a full independent production.”

“North One have made an outstanding contribution to the development of UK sports coverage and I’m looking forward to that continuing with F1. “

North One Television CEO and F1-ITV Executive Producer Neil Duncanson said: “Naturally we’re delighted to be able to continue our relationship with ITV.”

“We’ve come a long way in the past nine years and I think the team for 2006 season, both on and off screen, is the best yet. I’m really confident the audiences will like it, so all we need is a few British wins and the picture will be complete.”

Since taking over the F1 contract in 1997, ITV’s coverage has won countless awards including International Formula One Broadcaster of the Year, several RTS Sports Programme of the Year awards, and eight BAFTA nominations.

ITV will show over 100 hours of Formula 1 coverage during 2005.

ITV Sport’s other main commitments, including this summer’s World Cup, the Champions League, boxing and the Oxford-Cambridge boat race remain in-house with ITV Sport Productions.

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01.03.06

For further information:

James MacLeod

ITV Sport Publicity

020 7843 8018