Category : Sport
Date : 06.04.2004
Printable version
91Èȱ¬ Sport
today announced a new five-year contract to broadcast television coverage
of the MotoGP Championship, extending coverage on the 91Èȱ¬ until
2009.
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The new contract will also mean an increase in MotoGP coverage
on the 91Èȱ¬.
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In 2004, 12 out of 14 races will be live, and all rounds
will be shown in full.
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91Èȱ¬ Director of Sport Peter Salmon said: "MotoGP
is a genuine world class championship, the F1 equivalent of the motorbike
world, and we're delighted to have signed a new deal to broadcast the
Championship through to 2009.
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"We're particularly pleased that this deal will
mean a substantial increase in the number of races we are able to show
live, giving viewers more chances to see the likes of Britain's Neil
Hodgson, Shane Byrne and Jeremy McWilliams taking on world champion
Valentino Rossi.
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"It's another significant addition to our long
term rights portfolio and we're looking forward to working in partnership
with Dorna to bring the spills and thrills of MotoGP to the widest possible
audience."
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Carmelo Ezpeleta, Dorna's CEO
said: "The support that MotoGP is receiving from the 91Èȱ¬ is a major
boost for the progression of our sport in the UK, and this is something
that we want to thank.
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"We all know that Britain has always been a country
devoted to motorsport, and especially to motorcycle racing, as it has
been proved throughout the years with legends such as Mike Hailwood,
Barry Sheene, Phil Read, John Surtees and Geoff Duke.
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"Now that Grand Prix racing has entered a new era
with the MotoGP category, it is time that the UK recovers its leading
role.
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"The presence of performance riders such as Hodgson,
Byrne or McWilliams already shows this way, but at least as important
is the backing of the 91Èȱ¬, whose programming and support in 2004 and
the years to come shows that they really believe in MotoGP.
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"We can only be proud of this partnership."
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91Èȱ¬ Sport's bikes presenter Suzi Perry will present
coverage of the championship, beginning live on 18 April in Phakisa
Freeway, South Africa.
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The 91Èȱ¬'s expert duo of Charlie Cox and Steve
Parrish will provide commentary for all rounds.
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Sunday Grandstand on 11 April will preview the
Championship with reigning world champion Valentino Rossi the subject
of The Big Interview.
