Channel 4 to bid for F1 rights

UK advertising-supported public broadcaster Channel 4 has entered the race to acquire the rights to air Formula One motor racing, according to reports.

The channel is expected to bid for the rights alongside commercial broadcaster ITV and pay broadcaster BSkyB. Public broadcaster the BBC currently airs the sport and has two more years to run on its five-year deal. However, rising costs mean that it is unlikely to strike a new deal with the organisation, which is run by Bernie Ecclestone.