THE BBC were forced to terminate their contract with Formula One yesterday, with Channel Four picking up the rights for the next three years.

 

Due to the Beeb’s £35 million sports rights budget cut, the grand prix racing follows golf out of the door, with that deal cut short by a year.

 

BBC’s director of sport Barbara Slater said: “The current financial position of the BBC means some tough and unwanted choices have to be made.

 

“A significant chunk of BBC Sport’s savings target will be delivered through the immediate termination of our TV rights agreement for Formula One.

 

“Any decision to have to stop broadcasting a particular sport or sporting event is hugely disappointing and taken reluctantly.

 

“There are no easy solutions, all of the options available would be unpopular with audiences.”

 

Channel Four will broadcast 10 races live without breaks and the remaining 11 grand prixs will be shown via extended highlight shows.

 

Formula One chief executive Bernie Ecclestone said: “I am sorry that the BBC could not comply with their contract but I am happy that we now have a broadcaster that can broadcast Formula One events without commercial intervals during the race.”

 

With the loss of F1 and the Open Championship, the BBC’s portfolio of live annual sporting events has been reduced to the FA Cup, rugby league’s Challenge Cup and Wimbledon.