F1 TV, the new OTT channel for Formula 1 fans, will launch ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix in May.
Over the past month tests have been running to a closed group during the Chinese Grand Prix and Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
The subscription video platform is being produced for the sports new owners, Liberty Media, by NBC Sports’ Playmaker Media, and iStreamPlanet who will act as systems integrator and video streaming partner, they’ll be assisted by CSG, Ostmodern and CDN provider Tata. Two options are available; F1 TV Pro, the premium tier, will feature live races and all 20 driver-cameras, as well as side-by-side live race viewing and additional exclusive feeds.
All of practice, qualifying and races will be offered live, along with press conferences and pre- and post-race interviews. Later in the season, the main support series FIA Formula 2 Championship, GP3 Series and Porsche Supercup will be added to the service.
Frank Arthofer, Director of Digtal and New Business, Formula 1, said: “There is tremendous opportunity in the OTT space to provide F1’s avid fans with a unique F1 viewing experience across all devices. With this launch, fans will find an easy to use streaming experience, rich with live and on-demand content available only on F1 TV, all at a great price.”
F1 TV will initially launch to desktop computers; TV centric devices such as Apple TV, Amazon Fire, mobile and tablet devices will launch later. Pricing of and annual $70 to $150 will vary according to the market.
A second less expensive tier will provide live race timing data and radio commentary, as well as extended highlights of each session from the race weekend
