ESPN Star agrees new Asian TV deal

ESPN Star Sports, which has televised F1 for nearly two decades to an increasingly large audience, has been given exclusive Grand Prix broadcast rights in 24 Asian markets for the next five years.

The deal includes internet, radio and mobile phone broadcasts as well as television coverage.

"We are extremely delighted to continue our 17-year strong partnership with Formula One Management through this historic new agreement," said the channel's managing director Manu Sawhney. "It is an ideal example of how partners can work together to build and grow a property."

Bernie Ecclestone also welcomed the deal.

"We are very pleased to have reached this agreement extending our relationship with ESPN STAR Sports for a further five years," said the sport's commercial rights-holder.

"Formula One has enjoyed unprecedented growth in popularity throughout Asia over the last few years and we feel that this comprehensive new agreement with ESS will help continue this trend."