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closeSirius adds Formula One racing to sports programming
Thursday, May. 22, 2008
NEW YORK – May 22, 2008 – SIRIUS Satellite Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) and Formula One Management have entered into an agreement that will make SIRIUS the exclusive North American radio broadcaster of all FORMULA 1 (F1) races, marking the U.S. radio premiere of the high-profile sport.
SIRIUS’ F1 schedule kicks off this weekend with live coverage of the Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo (Sunday, May 25 at 8:00 am ET), one of the world’s most prestigious and challenging motor racing events, exclusively on SIRIUS channel 125. Often referred to as the crown jewel of F1, the Monaco Grand Prix is one of the only street circuits in use. SIRIUS will broadcast the entire remainder of the 2008 calendar’s races live nationwide on SIRIUS 125, including the first-ever F1 night race, being held in Singapore on September 28.
“We are very happy to be associated with SIRIUS Satellite Radio, and that they will broadcast our races into North America,” said Bernie Ecclestone, Chief Executive of Formula One Management.
"FORMULA 1 is a worldwide spectacle, blending international backdrops and advanced automotive technology from some of the best brands in motor racing with extremely talented drivers racing the world's most challenging circuits," said Scott Greenstein, SIRIUS’ President of Entertainment and Sports. "SIRIUS is thrilled to deliver the high-profile excitement of F1 to our subscribers, with live coverage of races from each exotic location, giving North American racing fans unprecedented access to this unique sport."
The FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP is the highest end of open wheeled motor racing and a single season can consist of a series of 18 races, known as Grands Prix, run from March to November on road course circuits, and in a few cases on closed city streets. The cars race at high speeds, exceeding 200 mph, and the results of each race are combined to determine two annual World Championships, one for drivers and one for constructors (teams).
The reigning drivers’ champion is FERRARI driver Kimi Raikkonen of Finland, who is currently the top points holder this season (35), ahead of FERRARI driver Felipe Massa of Brazil (28) and MCLAREN/MERCEDES driver Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain (28). The reigning constructor’s champion is SCUDERIA FERRARI.
