Coverage plans disclosed for F1 in China

State broadcaster CCTV, Shanghai-based satellite television broadcaster Great Sports and online streaming platform Tencent Sports will share rights to the 2018 season of the Formula One motor-racing championship in China, according to the Jiemian.com website.

In an exclusive report, Jiemian said CCTV will cover the full season, with races to be broadcast on CCTV5 and CCTV5 Plus.

The report added that contrary to speculation it would end its agreement, Great Sports will also continue to provide full coverage of the F1 season. Great Sports has broadcast F1 in China since 2002.

Jiemian added that Tencent Sports has announced internally that it will also offer Formula One coverage in 2018.

The 2018 Formula One season commences with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 22-25. China will stage its annual race in Shanghai on April 13-15.