02/04/2003 - 2003 BTCC COVERAGE

From April 21st in Mondello Park, to September 21st in Oulton Park, Motors TV will bring full LIVE BTCC coverage to its viewers throughout Europe, with a special focus on British viewers (Motors TV is available to Sky Digital’s 6.6 million subscribers on channel 416).

COMMENTARY LINE-UP

Expertise, talent and years of experience are just a few words that qualify the Motors TV BTCC commentators, with Ben Edwards and 1992 champion Tim Harvey sharing the booth!

Vicky Butler-Henderson will be in the pits, using a radio-camera for grid interviews as well as providing podium features.

Ben EDWARDS: “I’m really looking forward to commentating live on the BTCC for Motors TV. Last year we had some truly entertaining races and I expect more of the same this season. Now, fans will be able to see each race unfold, follow the action and dramas in the pit stops and keep an eye on the battles throughout the field. Commentating on a race as it happens always gives me an extra buzz of excitement, and there’s no turning the tape machine back if I get it wrong! I’m hoping that we’ll see plenty of door-rubbing racing, and a real challenge for the title, not only from the Vauxhall teammates but also from Honda, MG and Proton and some very capable independent runners. I can’t wait to get started in Mondello.”

Tim HARVEY: “ This is a big step forward for the BTCC to have live television. I hope to make it as exciting as the racing will surely be.”

A STRONG PARTNERSHIP

BTCC will be available to European viewers and is providing live coverage in its home country thanks to the deal. Motors TV will now focus even more on its British audience — with such a win-win situation being one of the keys to the deal.

Richard WEST, Series Director: ‘I’m delighted on behalf of the BTCC that Motors TV have now provided us with an extensive coverage throughout the European continent. This is a great opportunity for us to continue the growth, and I know I speak on behalf of all the competitors, teams, manufacturers and sponsors in welcoming Motors TV to the BTCC.”

Jean-Luc ROY, Motors TV President: “Since the MOTORS TV launch on the 1st of September 2000, our aim has been to be able to put on air the best of motor-racing, in order to bring a lot of fun to our viewers. That’s the reason why we are particularly pleased to announce that the 2003 British Touring Car Championship meetings will be televised” Live “on MOTORS TV, a high octane show for High Speed Television!”

SOLID ON-AIR COMMITMENT

At every meeting, live coverage will start from BTCC race 1 and keep going until the final race of the day, therefore including all support-events. Granada, who produces the feed, and Motors TV have worked closely together to secure a high standard coverage.

“The racing is always of the highest standard with plenty of action from start to finish. Grid interviews and behind the scenes coverage will enable viewers to get closer to the personalities of the drivers and to savour the tension before a big race starts”, says Tony BAINES, Controller of Programming and Development for Granada Sport.

“BTCC coverage will benefit both the Granada and Motors TV expertise in motor sport. Offering the support-races as well shows our commitment to the British viewers.., and attraction for the sport!”, says Frederic VIGER, Motors TV Head of Programming. “BTCC will benefit unprecedented TV exposure, with replays of the live programme on the same evening at 21.00 and the following day at 18.00. We will also broadcast a highlights show the following week to prepare for the next race.

BTCC Rounds 1 & 2 from Mondello Park! Monday April 21st