Formula E, the all-electric single-seater motor racing series, has announced a three-year broadcast rights deal across the Indian subcontinent with Sony Pictures Networks.
Through the tie-up, all practice sessions, qualifying stints, and races will be covered live by the Sony Sports Network’s linear channels, as well as by the Sony LIV over-the-top streaming platform.
The first race under the terms of the new deal will take place this weekend (April 13 and 14), as the Misano E-Prix is staged in Emilia-Romagna, in northern Italy.
Last season, SPN’s rival Star India held Formula E rights across the subcontinent.
However, SPN has covered Formula E action before, across the 2918-20 cycle.
In addition to India, this tie-up also covers Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
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Aarti Dabas, chief media officer at Formula E, said: “With an enthusiastic, diverse, and young sports fanbase, India is an important growth market for us. As such, we are delighted to have teamed up with Sony Sports Network to supercharge this growth. This partnership guarantees that Indian fans will enjoy unparalleled access to Formula E content.”
While India is indeed seen as a Formula E growth market, the country had to back out of hosting its second-ever E-Prix this season, scheduled for Hyderabad in February, due to a regional government decision.
However, the country does have a team competing in the series, Mahindra Racing, who feature Indian driver Jehan Daruvala.
Rajesh Kaul, SPN India’s chief revenue officer for distribution and international business, and head of sports business, added: “Formula E is the future of motorsports racing in the world and we are confident that the strong Indian connection is bound to ensure more love from sports enthusiasts in India.”
In addition to the live action, SPN will also cover the Formula E behind-the-scenes series, Unplugged.
The 2024 Formula E campaign began in Mexico City on January 13, and runs through until late July in London, UK.
In terms of recent media activity, January saw the series renew its Europe-wide tie-up with global media conglomerate Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).
WBD has been a broadcast partner of Formula E since 2015, with the renewed deal set to take that partnership to at least 2027.
In terms of other motor racing coverage rights in India, meanwhile, streaming service FanCode holds rights to the iconic Formula 1 series in 2024.
