Granada Sport and BMP (British Motorsport Promoters Ltd) today announced a groundbreaking television deal for the British Touring Car Championship.

Their agreement will result in next year’s BTCC occupying a prime one-hour Saturday afternoon slot in all the major regions of ITV’s network. All 10 events will be televised on a one-week deferred basis, with seven of them screened after Grand Prix qualifying. All races will be shown between 1.30pm and 3.00pm.

The contract is for two years duration, with an option for a third term. It will give the BTCC access to a very large audience footprint featuring millions of homes and potential viewers.

“This is a superb deal for the championship and its competitors,” said BTCC Series Director Richard West. “I’m delighted that we have reached an agreement with Granada Sport, and I’d like to thank them for their strenuous efforts in helping put this deal together.

“We have worked hard to deliver regular one-hour slots that will portray the series in its best light. The fact that seven of the events will follow on from Formula One qualifying is a tremendous endorsement of a series that continues to go from strength to strength.”

The shows will be produced by Granada Sport, whose key players have a wealth of experience in televising motor racing and other sporting showpieces.

“Next to Formula One, we believe the British Touring Car Championship to be the most prestigious motor sports series in the UK and we’re delighted to welcome it to the ITV family,” commented Jim Raven, Granada Sport’s Managing Director.

BMP director Rob Bain stressed that the contract is the ideal launch pad for the growth of the BTCC. He said: “The switch to a dynamic new broadcast partner underlines BMP’s investment in the championship and I’m convinced the relationship will take the series to new heights.”

The following major regions have already agreed to screen Granada Sport’s coverage: LWT, Meridian, Anglia, Granada, Yorkshire, Tyne Tees, Border TV, Channel and Central. Negotiations are ongoing with the remaining regions.