BBC clinches new five-year MotoGP deal

The BBC has signed a new five-year deal to screen MotoGP until the end of 2013, less than two weeks after Dorna controversially axed British Eurosport’s coverage.

The BBC deal includes the rights to show, the 125, 250 and MotoGP races, plus qualifying, and sees the BBC exclusively screening MotoGP in the UK until the end of the 2013 world championship at least.

The move follows Dorna’s decision not to renew its contract with Eurosport, meaning British fans will no longer get to listen to popular commentary team Toby Moody, Julian Ryder and Randy Mamola.

The new deal means fans will be able to watch all MotoGP races live on the BBC with the 125 and 250 races, and qualifying sessions shown live on interactive TV via the red button and online. 

As well as the expanded coverage on interactive TV, which is accessible by 86 per cent of the UK population, the MotoGP races will also be available as a catch-up service for seven days after the race on BBC iPlayer.

Dominic Coles, BBC Sport’s Director of Sport Rights said: “We are delighted to have secured, for the first time, fully exclusive rights to the world’s premier, and most watched motorbike competition.

“Alongside our recent acquisition of Formula One, BBC Sport has become the home of motorsport in the UK; a one-stop shop for fans of the very best two wheel and four wheel, adrenalin-fuelled sport action across TV, radio and online services.

“With James Toseland making a very promising start to his MotoGP career, Bradley Smith shining in the 125s, and Scott Redding making history in that series recently at Donington Park, the future for British riders in MotoGP looks good, and the BBC will be there all the way to tell their story.”