Formula 1's director of market research Matt Roberts has confirmed that F1 will broadcast winter testing in 2019 on F1 TV. It has not been decided if the broadcast will exclusively be to F1 TV Pro members, or if 'Access' members will also receive the stream.
Following Liberty Media's purchase of F1 in 2017, it instantly relaxed the rules regarding social media video posts from pre-season testing, something former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone was notoriously against.
Fans have been calling for a pre-season stream in the last number of years in order to see the new cars out on the circuit. In 2013, Sky Sports showed pre-season action, however, this was only available to the Sky customers in the UK and Ireland.
Roberts took to Reddit and answered questions for a Q&A session, in which he confirmed that the broadcast would occur in 2019. Pre-season testing kicks on February 18th and will conclude on March 1st, with eight days of running scheduled throughout the two weeks.
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Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
Replies (3)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
See, Viasat? This is service. Go on. Swallow the bullet. Do us a favour and release us.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
I have never watched Viasat but I still hate them just from your comments lol
I am really excited about F1 TV. I actually remember taking a survey earlier this year asking if I would be interested in watching winter testing.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
There are probably American TV channel suppliers that are just as bad or worse, but I really despise how Viasat get to lock away such a big sport as F1 and toss it into the basement unless you pay 60-80 Euro pro month, as some kind of second rate V from V for Vendetta. That just aint kosher. I shouldnt have to buy every single channel and their mums just to get F1. I really dont need Viasat Golf, thank you very much.
I really love the idea of F1 TV: its official, its easy to access and the price is just right. I'd so love to get access to it. Sadly, VPN dont seem to work. I took the same survey, and I were like "YES, I WOULD LIKE THAT" on almost everything. :)