MotoGP coverage leaves BBC for 2014
For nearly ten years we've enjoyed watching the premiere motorcycle racing class for free on the BBC but now viewers will have to fork out to enjoy it. Signed earlier this week BT Vision has secured a 5 year exclusive deal with MotoGP.
BT will broadcast all the classes, MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 with benefits including 'a second screen' where viewers can watch the race from a riders perspective and also the chance to watch races wherever you are on the new BT Sport app, which is only available to BT Broadband customers. Other satellite users will have to pay an extra £12 to get BT Sport but this also gets customers Premier League Football and English Premiership Rugby coverage.
The BBC commented saying: "We are very proud of our Moto GP coverage and submitted a competitive bid to retain the broadcasting rights beyond our current contract."
This bid did not come through obviously and BT got the deal. I feel it's a real shame for the sport and it wouldn't surprise me if everything the BBC has done to raise MotoGP's profile in the last few years will be lost. It's certainly disappointing for the likes of Cal Crutchlow as now many of his home fans won't see him in the 2014 season, one which could be one of his greatest.
16.05.13 - James Davey
