V8 Supercars’ 2015-2020 media rights deal with Fox Sports and Network Ten has been a hot topic since it was first announced last December.
The six-year, $241 million agreement’s shift in focus towards subscription television marks a watershed for the category.
Foxtel last week confirmed two key elements of its 2015 line-up; announcing a reshaping of its channels that sees the end of Speed TV Australia, and reduced pricing across-the-board.
While the Fox/Ten deal is undoubtedly a much-needed cash injection for the sport and its teams, fans have so far been sceptical on paying for live coverage of the championship.
Just six events will be shown live on Ten’s free-to-air network from next season, supplemented by same-day highlights packages for the remaining races.
By contrast, Fox will deliver an unprecedented level of coverage across the season.
Every V8 Supercars practice, qualifying and race will be shown live and, Bathurst aside, will be ad-break free.
All will be offered in High Definition, while other advancements, including in-car camera and live telemetry technology, are also planned as part of the $32 million production deal between Fox/Ten and V8TV.
This week’s Pirtek Poll asks: Will you watch V8 Supercars on Fox in 2015?