Grapevine: Renault Helps Spain with F1 TV Deal

Spanish Formula One fans will finally be able to watch Grand Prix racing this season thanks to the help from French manufacturer Renault.

Most of the Spanish fans missed the season-opening Australian Grand Prix after TVE, the Spanish public-server broadcaster, failed to reach an agreement with Formula One Management. Only the residents in the area of Catalunya were able to watch the race thanks to TV3, a regional broadcaster.

However, it is understood that Renault and TVE will pay for the required €5 million ($5.5 million) to begin broadcasting starting at next week's Malaysian Grand Prix. As part of the deal, which is expected to be signed this week, the French manufacturer will get increased advertising time on TVE.

According to the Spanish press, the deal was not reached last week as TVE could not guarantee that all 16 races would be shown live, something that did not please Renault. The manufacturer aims to ensure Formula One and their team, which includes Spaniard Fernando Alonso, get maximum exposure this season.