Canal+ Group has announced it has secured the exclusive rights, in the French market, to the Formula 1 motor racing world championships.
The rights were previously held by TF1 and Eurosport France, indicating a further move towards the pay-TV sector for Formula 1 coverage.
Last year a joint deal with the BBC and BskyB moved the bulk of the calendar away from FTA television.
Subscribers will be able to follow the action from the first race that commences in Melbourne, Australia on March 17th.
The right also cover practice, the qualifying stages, and magazine programmes.
A dedicated magazine show will be a key element of Canal’s race day coverage.