The Formula One motor-racing championship has widened its broadcast reach in China for this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix through three new rights deals.
Under the agreements announced today (Friday), internet company Tencent becomes a new digital media partner in the Chinese market.
This partnership will enable Chinese fans to follow the races live on PC and mobile platforms, including Tencent Sports, Tencent News, Tencent Video, QQLive, and Tian Tian Kuai Bao; social media platforms, including WeChat; and OTT platforms, including QQ.
In addition to the remaining grand prix events of this season onwards, Tencent’s platforms will provide a combination of different video and data feeds together with comprehensive post session short form content.
Caitlyn Chen, vice-president of Tencent, said: “Leveraging its advantages in distribution, production, broadcasting, intensive operation and social engagement, Tencent will provide abundant and scenario-based content services to our fans.
“The cooperation between F1 and Tencent will provide users with better understanding of passion and speed, so as to achieve the maximum IP value of F1 in China.”
Formula One has also signed agreements with regional broadcasters Guangdong TV and Shanghai TV. Guangdong TV will provide free to air coverage in the Cantonese language and Shanghai TV will offer additional exposure in the region which has hosted the Chinese GP for 15 years.
Today’s deals come after F1 last month signed a contract with state broadcaster CCTV. CCTV will broadcast live coverage of all qualifying sessions and races.
The broadcaster will show about 100 hours of live coverage across the season, with the action available across the CCTV-5 and CCTV-5 Plus sports channels, as well as the CCTV-5 mobile app and the CCTV sports website.