MotoGP: Channel 5 announce free-to-air highlights package

Channel 5 will show free to air MotoGP highlights on a Monday night throughout the 2017 season, after an eleventh hour deal confirmed only days before the season is set to kick off in Qatar.

The new deal, replacing last year’s with ITV4 which MCN exclusively reported on at the time, will see highlights aired in a Monday night primetime slot. However, it’s still to be confirmed whether Channel 5 will use the BT Sport commentary team, Dorna’s own world feed, or whether they’ll bring in their own team

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Mark Sharman from the broadcaster, who have been expanding their motorsports portfolio recently with the addition of Formula E and WRC as well as MotoGP, says the deal makes sense for them.

 “We are thrilled to bring viewers the very best of MotoGP and add another headline act to our motor racing portfolio with the world’s fastest motorcycle racing Championship. It will be a mind-blowing season – one for the books. Complementing our live coverage of Formula E and the World Rally Championship highlights, this further demonstrates our commitment to offer top class sport to our viewers.”

And with the successes of British riders last year and the recent launch of the British Talent Cup, Dorna MD Manel Arroyo says the deal is good for the sport as a whole.

“With so much emphasis on British talent this year, we are delighted that highlights of every MotoGP round this coming season will be available for British audiences on Channel 5. Our British riders in every category are in top form so it should be an exciting season for our British fans. We are looking forward to getting the 2017 FIM MotoGP World Championship underway in a couple of weeks’ time in Qatar.”

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