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ESPN STAR Sports (ESS) and Formula One Management (FOM) today announced that they have agreed to renew their relationship for another five years. The new agreement awards ESS exclusive rights to broadcast the FIA Formula One World Championship™ (F1™) across multiple platforms in 24 Asian markets.

Hailed as a landmark deal for ESS and FOM in Asia, it will see Asia’s No. 1 broadcaster getting exclusive rights to showcase F1™ action across platforms including TV, internet, mobile and radio. The deal includes a number of firsts for F1™ in Asia: the first time that Formula One rights have been awarded on a platform neutral basis; the first time that radio rights have been included; the first time ESS will have terrestrial rights in a number of key markets; and the first time F1™ content will be made available on a linear and non-linear basis.

The rights would cover ESS’ footprint in Asia, including the major markets of India, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and South Korea.

Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Manu Sawhney, Managing Director, ESPN STAR Sports, said: “We are extremely delighted to continue our 17-year strong partnership with Formula One Management through this historic new agreement. It is an ideal example of how partners can work together to build and grow a property. ESS continues to be committed to further popularize and build the sport of motor racing amongst fans in Asia and we are very confident that now with many new platforms and avenues including internet, mobile and radio, F1 fans in Asia can look forward to the most comprehensive and entertaining experience with us.”

Mr. Bernie Ecclestone, CEO, FOM, said: "We are very pleased to have reached this agreement extending our relationship with ESPN STAR Sports for a further 5 years. Formula One has enjoyed unprecedented growth in popularity throughout Asia over the last few years and we feel that this comprehensive new agreement with ESS will help continue this trend".

F1™ continues to enthrall viewers in Asia and is increasingly becoming stronger every year. With the addition of the maiden night race scheduled to be held on 28th September in Singapore and the introduction of races to India and South Korea in 2010, F1™ profile and popularity amongst Asia’ sports fans is growing continuously.

With new rights including internet, mobile and radio, in addition to exclusive pay-TV and terrestrial TV rights in many key markets, ESS will soon announce its plans for the extended coverage and presentation for the next Formula One™ season on these platforms.

ESPN STAR Sports currently covers the Formula One™ with the live coverage of all 18 races and complimenting the live coverage are its pre and post-race presentations, Race Day and Chequered Flag, which provide live reports, race analysis and an insight into the people behind the high-speed action. Hosted by Steve Dawson and Paula Malai Ali, both programmes also feature prominent racing experts and leading motor sports personalities to give F1™ fans the most enriching experience of the sport. In addition, ESS has extended offerings on its online platform, www.espnstar.com, and its original in-house programme, Engine Block.