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BSI sign new TV deals

Benfield Sports International (BSI) – rights holder for the FIM Speedway Grand Prix Series (SGP) – has signed two new terrestrial TV deals.

For the first time the SGP Series will broadcast on Finnish television, the London-based agency securing a deal with Channel Four Finland to transmit a one-hour highlights show from all nine rounds of the series.

Said Jorma Paakkari, head of sports, Channel Four Finland: "World championship speedway is one of the biggest growing sports in Europe and has a traditionally strong profile in Scandinavia. The emergence of Finnish riders Kai Laukkanen and Joonas Kylmakorpi has ignited interest in the Series in Finland and is a valued addition to our motorsport portfolio."

Meanwhile, British terrestrial broadcaster Channel 4 has extended its deal to broadcast a one-hour highlights programme from each round approximately one week after each live event.

Said John Postlethwaite, chief executive, BSI: "These two new deals epitomise the continued interest in the Speedway Grand Prix Series and breaking into the Finnish market strengthens our foothold in the Scandinavian market.

"This is the fifth consecutive year Channel 4 in Great Britain has broadcast the SGP Series and we are delighted to agree this new deal. They have been a great supporter of the world championship since we took over the rights in 2000 and look forward to continuing this successful relationship."