Formula E’s UK coverage moves back to free-to-air TV, Jenas dropped

Protection of the Formulation E world championship will return to free-to-air TV in the UK, with all qualifying periods and races of the 2024-25 season set to be proven stay.

Organisers of the all-electric championship confirmed on Friday that each one 16 races and qualifying periods might be broadcast stay on ITVX’s free-to-air streaming service, whereas a complete of 9 races might be proven stay on ITV4.

This contains the season-opening Sao Paulo E-Prix, which takes place subsequent weekend on 7 December, the double-headers in Jeddah, Monaco and Tokyo, in addition to Miami and the second race in Shanghai.

A highlights present may also be aired on ITV4 and ITVX following each race weekend.

Final season coverage moved to TNT Sports for the first time, successfully inserting the published behind a paywall for the primary time within the championship’s 10-year historical past, having beforehand been proven on free-to-air channels together with ITV, Channel 5, BBC and Channel 4.

CEO Jeff Dodds acknowledged forward of the London season-finale, which was proven on free-to-air channel Quest, that shifting the championship behind a paywall produced “numbers which have been decrease than we needed”, though protection may also nonetheless proceed on TNT Sports activities this season for viewers within the UK and Eire.

Aarti Dabas, chief media officer at Formulation E, mentioned: “We’re delighted to supply UK and Eire followers even larger entry to our unbelievable championship by way of our two unbelievable media companions – TNT Sport and now ITV – giving them extra methods to observe and taking them even nearer to the game.

“With our new post-race weekend highlights present on ITV, followers will be capable to get bespoke content material straight from the paddock serving to to teach, excite and entertain new and constant followers alike.”

In addition to shifting again to free-to-air, Formulation E organisers additionally confirmed that lead presenter Jermaine Jenas wouldn’t be retained for a second season.

The previous skilled footballer was the anchor for Formulation E’s protection final season, changing long-term host Vernon Kay and finishing his duties alongside roles for the BBC and different radio broadcasters.

However Jenas was sacked by the BBC in August this 12 months following allegations that he despatched “inappropriate messages” to 2 colleagues on The One Present, which raised questions over his future with Formula E.

An announcement from Formulation E administration mentioned: “As with each low season, we endure an intensive and punctiliously thought of analysis means of our presenter line-up. Jermaine Jenas is not going to be a part of the crew for Season 11.”

As an alternative, protection might be fronted by long-time Formulation E correspondent Nicki Shields, who might be joined in the course of the season by ex-Formulation 1 drivers David Coulthard and Karun Chandhok, in addition to Billy Monger and Catie Munnings amongst others.