Sky F1 Wins Top F1 Broadcaster

Sky Sports F1 revealed their brand new channel to the nation in March 2012. I was invited to the press day and after seeing some of the features and hearing about their plans I knew it would be a success.

Image source: Sky Sports F1

Well after a fantastic 2012 season it seems others agreed too. Bernie Ecclestone presented the channel with the award for 'Best TV Broadcast Award for Outstanding Coverage' at the FIA prize giving ceremony in Istanbul, where the World Championship presentations were also made.

Sky beat off tough competition from other Formula 1 broadcasters like the BBC, who won the award in 2011.

The channel burst on to the scene with some fantastic and in depth features that brought fans closer to the action. The 20 Grand Prix's were shown with massive amounts of coverage, an hour of post-qualifying coverage and 90 minutes before the race. They also added some fascinating and interesting features like the SkyPad. Whether at the track or in their London studio, pundits and presenters were able to analyse the key moments from the sessions.

Barney Francis, managing director of Sky Sports, said “It’s an honour to receive this award for our first season with Formula 1. This is a great sport that offers drama and excitement and we're proud to do it justice.

"A talented team, led by executive producer Martin Turner, has given us all thrilling coverage and real insight through their live coverage, weekly magazine show and a channel full of programming.

"One year ago we said we'd give Formula 1 ‘the Sky Sports treatment’, and we meant it; a channel devoted to in-depth coverage of the sport, for new fans and old, and more ways for viewers to watch the sport. We can’t wait for the next season to start.”

As well as their in depth coverage, they also had a number of other shows to keep fans satisfied. A weekly magazine show called "The F1 Show" gave fans interesting features, news, interview’s and analysis. There was also a legends series by Steve Rider, where he interviewed some of the most iconic racers of the past. Britain’s Next F1 Star also brought fans closer to some of the countries rising stars.

The channel also broadcast feeder series like GP2 and GP3, which proved to be a hugely popular addition.

Simon Lazenby and Georgie Thompson led the presenting roles. The two fresh faces did well on their debut year and continued to improve throughout. Georgie also presented the F1 Show alongside pit lane reporter and technical analyser Ted Kravitz. Natalie Pinkham also roved the pit lane as well as doing interviews with the drivers and team members. Martin Brundle and David Croft took the commentary roles, whilst Damon Hill, Johnny Herbert, Allan McNish and Anthony Davidson provided expert analysis.

The channel will continue broadcasting in 2013, with the website and social networks keeping people informed until testing comes back in February.