Formula One Management (FOM, commercial rights holder for the sport) has declared that television viewing statistics were up yet again last year, with a global figure of 520 million for 2009 increasing to 527 million in 2010. In total, 16,000 hours of Formula 1 was broadcast across some 187 countries last year, with a growth in nine of the 11 largest TV markets. The season was also strong for many of FOM’s European broadcasters, which reported their highest race audiences for ‘a number of seasons’.
“Whilst 2010 has delivered some great things, 2011 promises even more as Formula 1 seeks to build upon the foundations laid in our emerging markets and enthral our audiences across the world,” says Formula One Group CEO Bernie Ecclestone.
For the first time ever, High Definition television coverage will be on offer to all broadcasters this year – with several, including the United Kingdom’s BBC – having already accepted the improved quality for their 2011 outputs.