FE: Channel 5 strikes UK broadcast deal

Channel 5 will replace ITV in broadcasting Formula E races live in the UK across the 2016/17 season.

The free-to-air network's sport programming includes English Football League highlights, cricket and boxing, while it has increased its motorsport portfolio with highlight coverage of the World Rally Championship. It will broadcast all FE races live, while sister channel Spike will air the qualifying sessions.

Channel 5's Mark Sharman said: "Formula E is a fantastic opportunity for Channel 5 to offer live motorsports to our audience. The sport is up and coming, utilizing the very top tech and new and engaging ways to incorporate fans into the high octane action."

ITV had been the UK's source of free-to-air FE coverage for the electric single-seater series' first two campaigns.

The split comes after falling audience figures across 2015/16, in which FE was aired live on ITV4 before moving onto ITV1 for the London double-header.

BT Sport picked up the live coverage of the Mexico City ePrix after the date for the race was changed and clashed with ITV4's snooker coverage.

Originally on Autosport.com