Ecclestone ’happy’ as Channel 4 replaces BBC

Bernie Ecclestone has finally confirmed that the BBC will no longer broadcast formula one on British free-to-air television.

It comes as the BBC, to be replaced in its split deal with pay channel Sky by Channel 4 from 2016, said it made its decision to terminate the deal for budget reasons.

"A significant chunk of BBC Sport’s savings target will be delivered through the immediate termination of our TV rights agreement for formula one," confirmed the BBC’s sports director Barbara Slater, saying the decision was "tough and unwanted".

F1 supremo Ecclestone confirmed: "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."

Channel 4 chief executive David Abraham said on Monday: "I’m delighted to have agreed this exciting new partnership with Bernie Ecclestone to keep the sport on free-to-air television."