Strong Start for TV Figures

Telecinco, one of Spain's main free channels, reported a 23% share of the total television audience for Sunday's race, which correlates to more than 1.2 million viewers in Spain alone.

Venezuelan channel Venevision broadcasted the races live due to the involvement of BCN Competicion's Ernesto Viso, the first driver from the nation to take part in a major series since Johnny Cecotto in the early eighties, and it is believed that they had strong numbers because of this.

Eurosport televised both races live to more than 50 nations, with the ART network broadcasting all the action live to more than 20 countries in Africa and the Middle East.

A number of other channels have agreed to terms to show the races on a delayed basis with the FOM, which is organising the television rights on behalf of GP2.

The most notable absence so far is Speed TV in the United States, which broadcasts Formula One but has not done a deal despite the presence of promising American driver Scott Speed.

Series organisers acknowledged the lack of American coverage is a problem, but confirmed that a number of channels around the world are currently in negotiations for the rights and are hoping to be added to the list imminently.