The sky's the limit

Formula 1 is about to enter its 63rd season and into a new dimension.

At the Hungarian Grand Prix last season, an official announcement was made that Formula 1 would be leaving the BBC and moving to Sky Sports. Sky would be getting the sport for next 7 seasons.
The first time in the sports history that it won't be viewed on free to air television. As expected, this caused an outcry amongst Formula 1 fans because a sport that's incredibly expensive to follow live and the right to see it every race weekend from the comfort of your own living room, without question was being taken away.
The BBC then came out and said that they will be showing half the races live and the other 10 would be during prime time viewing. In other words if it's an early race start, the race will be shown in the afternoon and if it's an afternoon start then the race would be shown in the evening.
With all the budget cuts the BBC have been making recently we knew something was going to change, we just didn't know it would be this drastic.

Sky had kept quiet after the announcement was made due to many fans expressing their opinions on the decision.
Straight after the release of Formula 1 moving to Sky, Martin Brundle came out on twitter and openly said that the BBC hadn't offered him a new contract and he wanted to still work in Formula 1 because it's his life and he loves doing what he's been doing over the past number of years.
It was inevitable that Brundle would move to Sky for the 2012 season and beyond but who would join him?
This was a question on everyones lips but no one could answer it.

Before the announcement of the long awaited team. Sky Sports released a statement saying that a new channel would be launched on March 9th dedicated to Formula 1. Sky Sports F1 HD would show all practice and qualifying sessions and all races uninterrupted. This was a sign that Sky Sports would go beyond to make sure fans get the experience of being at the race live.

Martin Brundle, along side David Croft, Anthony Davidson, Natalie Pinkham, Ted Kravitz, Georgie Thompson and Simon Lazenby make up the new Sky Sports F1 line up. An extremely strong line up with a lot of knowledge and experience of Formula 1.

At testing I was lucky enough to speak to a couple of the Sky Sports F1 team during testing this week in Barcelona.
Georgie Thompson said she is really looking forward to the change and can't wait to share her passion for the sport with a different twist on style.
I managed to get a quick word in with the Executive Producer of Sky Sports F1 and when asked if the coverage would be up to scratch he said "If it wouldn't be any good. I wouldn't be in a job."

The launch of Sky Sports F1 HD is on the 9th March. 12 days time.
I have a feeling it will be great coverage. They have a great team who are well knowledgeable and are passionate about the sport. As fans, we want people who know their stuff and can share their passion with us every race weekend.
We have been spoilt for choice by the BBC over the past 3 seasons and from what I've heard, Sky Sports F1 really want to make it their own.

Countdown to the first race in Melbourne: 20 days