Al Jazeera to broadcast F1 in Middle East

Over 120 million new viewers will now be able to watch Formula One live and for free as a result of a deal between the Bahrain International Circuit, rights-holder for Formula One in the Middle East, and the Al Jazeera Sport channel.

"Everybody knows Al Jazeera Sport and its commitment to broadcasting in the Middle East and North Africa," said Martin Whitaker, General Manager of the Bahrain International Circuit.

"It is a huge honour for us here at Bahrain International Circuit not only to be the 'Home of Motorsport in the Middle East' through the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix but also to see the rest of the Middle East and North Africa region now able to access the full 18-race season.

"The fact that Bahrain has been honoured with the first race to be broadcast free-to-view is a source of enormous pride in the Kingdom."

Each of the 18 races in the 2006 season will be covered by the Qatar-based broadcaster, with a supporting programme of news and features surrounding the race weekend.

"You have to put Formula One right up there with the World Cup and the Olympic Games in terms of its global importance as a sporting event," said Al Jazeera Sport Official spokesman Hedi Smirani.

"Unlike those events, Formula One is currently in the Middle East, with the honour of hosting the first round of the season falling to Bahrain. With this strategic move Al Jazeera Sport would bring absolutely the right sporting spectacle free into every home.

"This also illustrates that Al Jazeera Sport is definitely after the hearts and minds of its viewers and this new addition would pave the way for broadening our loyal audience's sports culture."