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BBC clinches new five-year MotoGP deal



The BBC has signed a new five-year deal to screen MotoGP until the end of 2013, less than two weeks after Dorna controversially axed British Eurosport’s coverage.

The BBC deal includes the rights to show, the 125, 250 and MotoGP races, plus qualifying, and sees the BBC exclusively screening MotoGP in the UK until the end of the 2013 world championship at least.

The move follows Dorna’s decision not to renew its contract with Eurosport, meaning British fans will no longer get to listen to popular commentary team Toby Moody, Julian Ryder and Randy Mamola.

The new deal means fans will be able to watch all MotoGP races live on the BBC with the 125 and 250 races, and qualifying sessions shown live on interactive TV via the red button and online.

As well as the expanded coverage on interactive TV, which is accessible by 86 per cent of the UK population, the MotoGP races will also be available as a catch-up service for seven days after the race on BBC iPlayer.

Dominic Coles, BBC Sport’s Director of Sport Rights said: “We are delighted to have secured, for the first time, fully exclusive rights to the world’s premier, and most watched motorbike competition.

"Alongside our recent acquisition of Formula One, BBC Sport has become the home of motorsport in the UK; a one-stop shop for fans of the very best two wheel and four wheel, adrenalin-fuelled sport action across TV, radio and online services.

“With James Toseland making a very promising start to his MotoGP career, Bradley Smith shining in the 125s, and Scott Redding making history in that series recently at Donington Park, the future for British riders in MotoGP looks good, and the BBC will be there all the way to tell their story.”

taken from mcn website this morning,
so really no more need for sky,as eurosport was the only reason i have it.

pat.

I will miss Toby, Julian and Randy's ramblings though!

You will also miss the 250cc two stroke 'proper' GP bikes as they are being dropped in favour of a 600 'SuperSport' class!!!!

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!

Ah but not till 2011

I've always appreciated and enjoyed the Eurosport coverage. It has also always been handy that I can record the qualifying and the racing if I'm out.

Problem with the BBC is that they will probably only show the GP bikes on the main channel and all the other qualifying and racing for the other classes will be on the flaming Red button

I wouldn't be too quick to dump your satellite dish. the BBC coverage is probably going to be seriously lacking in content. With just the Race [800 moto gp] being broadcast...no build up..no free practice..no qualifying..
no 125s..no 250's .. no excitement.. and no enthusiastic commentary.
could this move by auntie beeb. and dorna be a ploy with the assistance of our nanny state to restrict the revived interest in this most excellent of sports, whereby limiting exposure to the sport will discourage younger people from taking up Motorcycling, along with the changes to the Motorcycle testing criteria, and the fact that the centralisation of testing centers,will see a drastic reduction in the numbers of new riders. my conspiracy alarm is going off you dont have to be paranoid to know they are out to get you.

The qualifying and other races will be shown on interective, a lot like the post race analysis is now. For people with a freeview box, instead of going through the red button palaver, just look at channels 301,302 and 303 to see the interactive content without trawling through different menus etc.

The standard of the BBc coverage of MotoGP is piss poor in my opinion. The picture never looks as good as it does on Eurosport (seriously, check it out next time you catch the racing, flick from one channel to he other) & I really can't bear to listen to Steve Parish, the mans a tit, he doesn't catch on with whats happening on the track til it's too late. I think he must be watching a monitor of himself the whole time. You see overtaking moves, mistakes & gaps dropping etc & he doesn't catch on for a few laps or until there's a re-play. honestly, I'd rather mute it and let the missus commentate instead !!

& if it clashes with the F1, expect seriously limited coverage indeed.

Don't get me wrong, I'm glad my licence fee isn't being spent on another cookery or home improvement show, but they really need to sort out the quality of coverage. Even Suzi Perry is looking a little rough lately, & she was the only plus over Eurosport as it was !!

Hey Kermy don't go knocking Suzi Perry she floats my boat

I'm inclined to agree, for some reason Suzi isn't looking quite as fresh as she used to. Guess it happens to us all eventually.

clack wrote:I'm inclined to agree, for some reason Suzi isn't looking quite as fresh as she used to. Guess it happens to us all eventually.

It's probably all the hard partying with gorgeous Jorge

Mixed feelings about the event, Eurosport did me no harm and the BBC with Parish is annoying. Oh well lets wait and see.

For a long time I didn't have sky and the BBC coverage kept me alive!

I really like parrish and charlie cox and whilst I have just started watching the qualifying and stuff on eurosport I still watch the race with them.

The eurosport guys are really funny but I think the comments on the beeb team are harsh. Not quite as exciting but TBH I don't really care for overexcited commentary.

Most importantly the bbc give a free service and for that I think dorna made the right choice. Again with the F1 it was a good decision to go to the bbc as I remember watching a race last year and for a change it was actually exciting. And ITV cut to an ad break ON THE LAST LAP! crap.

I don't see why it has to be exclusive though - does seem a bit controlling doesn't it? I mean if people want to pay sky tv to watch something they can get for free why shouldn't they?

Most importantly the bbc give a free service and for that I think dorna made the right choice

Since when ! I pay a premium and apart from the odd documentary and Top gear its really poor. Anyhoo thats a different thread but Parish is an asswart.

Beamish wrote:


Since when ! I pay a premium and apart from the odd documentary and Top gear its really poor. Anyhoo thats a different thread but Parish is an asswart.

Completey agree, that Barry Nuttell is a pain in the ass as well.
I thought eurosport was free anyway (I know you need sky or freeview but it isn't a premium channel)
By the way Timbo your right about that git Murdoch.