DISCOVERY EXTENDS FORMULA E COVERAGE AND POSITION AT THE FOREFRONT OF THE ELECTRIC MOTORSPORT REVOLUTION

Discovery has today extended its rights to show live coverage of every ABB FIA Formula E World Championship E-Prix following a new agreement with the all-electric racing series. 

Discovery will utilise its extensive range of free-to-air, pay-tv and digital platforms to support the growth of Formula E in Europe. Live and on-demand coverage will be presented through its leading multi-sport brand, Eurosport, in more than 50 markets, available via its linear and digital channels as well as being introduced on discovery+*, Discovery’s global streaming product, to expand the reach of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship to the widest possible audience. 

The multi-year agreement covering more than 50 markets includes exclusive live and highlights coverage in 27 markets** in Europe with Formula E fans able to enjoy selected broadcasts via Discovery’s free-to-air channels in the UK (Quest), Norway (MAX), Poland (Metro), Spain and Turkey (DMAX), Sweden, Denmark and Finland.

Trojan Paillot, VP Rights Acquisitions, Eurosport said: “Formula E has established itself as the world’s most competitive electric racing series and our coverage has been entertaining fans since its very first Championship. We’re excited to continue to screen every race and use the full  scope of Discovery’s channels and platforms to continue the growth of the Championship, expanding the reach of this exciting sport for years to come.

“Our commitment to bringing innovative and electrifying motorsport experiences to fans everywhere further enhances our diverse portfolio of world-class sports rights that truly offers something for everyone.” 

DS Techeetah driver and 2019-2020 ABB FIA Formula E Championship winner António Félix da Costa, said: “Season 7 is set to wow fans with more intense racing than ever before. The grid is so competitive now with so many talented drivers. When you add in more ‘firsts’ like the season-opening races under lights in Diriyah later this week, fans watching across Europe on Discovery and Eurosport will be in for a treat.”

Aarti Dabas, Chief Media Officer of Formula E, said: “Discovery’s reach across Europe, through Eurosport, discovery+ and free-to-air channels, is vitally important for Formula E and has been since Season 1.

“We’re excited to announce this new phase of our partnership with Discovery, expanding our audiences through their extensive range of platforms and renewed focus on localising content, allowing us to showcase our unpredictable, all-action racing series to millions of households, in more than 50 markets across Europe.”

Discovery has screened every Formula E season since its inception in 2014 via Eurosport as part of the most comprehensive motorsport offering in Europe. Its commitment to electric racing was reaffirmed this year by unveiling the inaugural PURE ETCR championship, the world’s first all-electric multi-brand touring car championship set to begin in May. The series will be promoted by Eurosport Events - Eurosport’s event promotion and management division, which will organise 32 events across four continents this year.  

In 2021 Eurosport will also be the home of a wide range of motorsport events and series including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the FIA World Touring Car Cup (WTCR), FIA European Rally Championship (ERC), the FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) and Extreme E**, offering something for everyone.    

The much-anticipated Formula E Season 7 is set to begin on 26-27 February with round one from the UNESCO World Heritage site in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia. The opening E-Prix will be the first in the FIA World Championship’s history to take place at night and will see drivers compete in a double header to kick-start the delayed 2020/2021 season. 

*In selected markets

**Territories and rights:

Territories 1: Exclusive live and highlights rights on a free and paid basis in Denmark, Finland, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden and Turkey.

 Territories 2: Exclusive live and highlights rights on a paid basis in Albania & Kosovo, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Israel,  Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia 

Territories 3: Non-exclusive live and highlights rights on a paid basis in Andorra, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, France and Monaco, Georgia, Germany, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and United Kingdom. Discovery will also hold non-exclusive highlights rights in Italy and on a free basis in Germany. 

Discovery will also hold non-exclusive live and highlights rights on a free basis in the UK.

2021 Formula E Calendar

Round 1 – Diriyah, Saudi Arabia: 26 February 

Round 2 – Diriyah, Saudi Arabia: 27 February

Round 3 – Rome, Italy: 10 April

Round 4 – Valencia, Spain: 24 April

Round 5 – Monte Carlo, Monaco: 8 May: 

Round 6 – Marrakesh, Morocco: 22 May

Round 7 – Santiago, Chile: 5 June

Round 8 – Santiago, Chile: 6 June