Channel 4 announces its list of live 2016 Formula 1 grands prix

Channel 4 has revealed details of which 2016 grands prix it will broadcast live after recently taking over Formula 1's UK terrestrial television rights from the BBC.

Its live broadcasts begin with round two in Bahrain, and also include Azerbaijan's first GP, the British event at Silverstone and the finale in Abu Dhabi.

It was announced just before Christmas C4 would take up the remaining three years on the BBC's contract and screen F1 from this season through to 2018.

ANALYSIS: How Channel 4 plans to 'mix it up'

The BBC was forced to pull out with immediate effect in a bid to make significant savings, with C4 stepping into the breach.

A week ago C4 confirmed former F1 racer David Coulthard had become the first member of its commentary team, with Whisper Films handed the production contract.

Following a selection process with Sky Sports F1, which shows every race live, C4 has announced Bahrain, Spain, Europe (Azerbaijan), Britain, Hungary, Belgium, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico and Abu Dhabi as its live broadcasts. There will be no advertisement breaks during the races.

For the remaining 11 grands prix Channel 4 will show a comprehensive highlights package.

CHANNEL 4'S 2016 GRAND PRIX COVERAGE:

Australia            March 20      Highlights
Bahrain              April 3       Live
China                April 17      Highlights
Russia               May 1         Highlights
Spain                May 15        Live
Monaco               May 29        Highlights
Canada               June 12       Highlights
Europe (Azerbaijan)  June 19       Live
Austria              July 3        Highlights
Britain              July 10       Live
Hungary              July 24       Live
Germany              July 31       Highlights
Belgium              August 28     Live
Italy                September 4   Live
Singapore            September 18  Highlights
Malaysia             October 2     Live
Japan                October 9     Highlights
USA                  October 23    Highlights
Mexico               October 30    Live
Brazil               November 13   Highlights
Abu Dhabi            November 27   Live