The 2011 ratings will be decisive for keeping Formula 1 on TF1
The viewership for Formula 1 on TF1 slightly declined in 2010. TF1, which holds the exclusive rights to Formula 1, had 100,000 fewer viewers last year compared to 2009. On average, three million people were in front of their television for each Grand Prix.
Europe’s number one television channel – TF1 – holds the rights to Formula 1 in France until 2012. The contract with FOM has not yet been renewed, and this year’s ratings will be crucial for extending the contract, negotiated in the winter of 2011/12.
Noël Charles, F1 producer on TF1, explained the reasons for the stagnation of viewership. According to him, the Football World Cup that lasted all summer, as well as the Tour de France, may have contributed to this drop in F1 viewership: « The season could have been excellent if we hadn’t been competing for two months with the World Cup and cycling. »
Noël Charles therefore aims to be reassuring and does not foresee any withdrawal from TF1. Nevertheless, rumors within the channel predict a stop to broadcasting the qualifications in 2012 and a complete stop to broadcasting the Grand Prix in 2013. The rights could then land with Canal+, which is much more specialized in sports.
TF1 is giving itself two more years to make a difference and will focus on HD this year. High definition will indeed make its appearance at all the Grand Prix this season. Formula 1 will be broadcast in better picture and sound quality. The FOM will also offer new replays after the start to see details of touches and collisions.
The arrangement implemented by TF1 for each 2011 Grand Prix:
Friday
- Free Practice 1 – Eurosport – Presented by Christophe Malbranque, Jacques Laffite, and Jean-Louis Moncet
- Free Practice 2 – Eurosport – Presented by Christophe Malbranque, Jacques Laffite, and Jean-Louis Moncet
Saturday
- Free Practice 3 – Eurosport – Presented by Christophe Malbranque, Jacques Laffite and Jean-Louis Moncet
- Qualifying – TF1 – Presented by Christophe Malbranque, Jacques Laffite and Jean-Louis Moncet
Sunday
- Automoto at 10:20 AM – TF1 – Presented by Marion Jollès, Jérôme Chont, and Jean-Pierre Gagick
- F1 A La Une – TF1 – Presented by Denis Brogniart and Marion Jollès
- The Race – TF1 – Presented by Christophe Malbranque, Jacques Laffite, and Jean-Louis Moncet
- Sunday F1 – Eurosport at 11 PM
