BBC still evaluating plans for highlights of races Sky will show live in 2012

Although Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone suggested to The Independent that the BBC will be limited to highlights of just "75 minutes of every race", which appeared to dash hopes of full re-runs online or on its red button interactive service, high level sources at the television company have revealed that a final plan has yet to be agreed.

As part of the deal put in place with Ecclestone for 2012, the BBC will show half of the races live - with coverage of those that are broadcast only on Sky being shown later in the day.

As well as a dedicated highlights package on one of the main BBC channels, plans are still being looked at for full length re-runs of the grands prix being made available for some or all the races on either the BBC's online platforms or its Red Button interactive channel.

It is not clear, however, when these full race re-runs could be broadcast - because if they were too soon after the F1 event itself then it could lessen the attraction of viewers purchasing a Sky subscription.

The BBC will not comment on the plans until a final decision has been made.