Movistar Plus confirms F1 rights extension

Movistar Plus, the pay-television platform of Spanish telco Telefónica, has extended rights in the country for the Formula One motor-racing world championship.

The extension will cover three seasons, from 2018 to 2020.

The new deal will include enhanced digital rights, which could allow short live video clips to be pushed via Movistar’s social and digital media channels – something that was not previously allowed.

The new agreement includes coverage of Friday and Saturday’s practice sessions, qualifying and races.

Financial details were not disclosed, but the platform was keen to negotiate a lower rights fee than the one struck for the previous cycle.

Movistar Plus will continue to offer the coverage on the dedicated Movistar F1 channel that is part of its Movistar Plus Motor package, which also offers coverage of the MotoGP motorcycle-racing world championship. The Movistar Plus Motor package was launched in 2014.

The deal was first reported by TV Sports Markets on January 5.

The most popular F1 driver in Spain is two-time world champion Fernando Alonso (pictured), who represents McLaren-Renault.