Ecclestone says HD F1 set for 2011

Bernie Ecclestone says Formula 1 is likely to be broadcast in high definition as early as next year

The Formula 1 boss had said earlier this year that fans would have to wait until 2012 for HD broadcasts, but he suggested on Sunday that 2011 looked more likely now.

"I think what's being produced at the moment is very, very good but I think we'll be moving to high definition, probably next year," Ecclestone told the BBC.

A Formula 1 survey showed earlier this year that a majority of fans were keen for F1 to be broadcast in HD.

Ecclestone had said a few months ago that F1 would be broadcast in HD when more fans at home were able to watch it, and enough broadcasters were ready to distribute it.

"We don't want to broadcast unless people want it," Ecclestone told AUTOSPORT in June. "I asked in England, the BBC, about it - how many people can receive it? They said about 20 per cent of the viewers who watch F1.

"Then I want to make sure that what we produce is top quality. Before we start seeing the top-top quality that we want, I would say it will probably be 2012 before we can guarantee it."