Sky Sports F1 has confirmed it will broadcast live coverage of the first 2019 winter test from Barcelona.
One of UK’s top broadcaster and exclusive home of F1 (bar the one race from 2019 onward), Sky Sports, will be telecasting live images from the first 2019 F1 winter test at Barcelona, scheduled to take place between February 18-21.
This is a first instance since the 2013 season when the 3D experiment took place, that live coverage of the winter test will take place. The UK broadcaster confirmed the news on its website and revealed its plans for the live coverage.
As per the plans, the testing coverage will go on air at 1PM UK time and will be live until 6PM with the last hour devoted for a special programme, named ‘Welcome to F1 2019’. The on-track action ends at 5PM UK time.
In all, Sky Sports will broadcast 20 hours of live coverage with on-track action included along with interviews with drivers and team bosses. Highlights will be made available on Sky Go, On Demand and the Sky Sports digital products.
For now, it looks like the TV broadcast will only be available to the audience in the UK. It remains to be seen if the other Sky channels in other European countries will join them to telecast the live action and or any other customer countries opt for the plan.
The news comes after Matt Roberts, F1’s Director of Market Research, confirmed on his Reddit channel that Liberty Media is planning to broadcast the two tests on F1 TV – whether Access or Pro, it is yet to be ascertained.
In fact, Roberts did not divulge any other details if it will be a highlights programme or if there will be proper live coverage but considering Sky F1 will be present for their broadcast, it could be that they use the coverage for F1 TV as well.
[Read: Sky Sports F1 winter test coverage details]