FLUÈRE And Andretti United Extreme E Combine To Celebrate Championship Finale

Andretti United currently sit third in the Teams’ Championship standings and will be looking to secure that podium spot in Dorset, building on their victory in round three in Greenland. 

Extreme E events are chosen to raise awareness of the impact of climate change around the  world, with the first four races taking place in Saudi Arabia (Desert X Prix), Senegal (Ocean X  Prix), Greenland (Arctic X Prix) and Sardinia (Island X Prix). 

The Jurassic X Prix will take place at Bovington on the UK’s South Coast in order to highlight how rising sea levels are causing a climate crisis due to irreversible damage caused by  coastal erosion.  

Bovington is a well-known British Army military base sitting just off the coastline, and  Extreme E are working with the British Ministry of Defence to mitigate the environmental  impact of their activity, such as piloting electric armoured vehicles and building carbon  efficient accommodation. 

FLUÈRE have revealed a signature non-alcoholic cocktail to be celebrated at the final race of the 2021 Extreme E Championship.  

‘Nature’s Bounty’ will be the cocktail championed at the Jurassic X Prix in Dorset, United  Kingdom – round five of the Championship.  

The livery of the Andretti United Extreme E ODYSSEY 21 vehicle driven by Catie Munnings and Timmy Hansen, usually inspired by the cocktail, was chosen by the winner of a competition run by FLUÈRE for this race. The winner selected the FLUÈRE Original Botanical Blend livery, used in the previous round in Sardinia. 

The ‘Nature’s Bounty’ cocktail mix has a distinctly international feel to it, including ingredients such as spiced cane and coconut water to draw attention to the gift of nature  ahead of the Jurassic X Prix finale. 

FLUÈRE is a category leader in distilled non-alcoholic drinks, owned by forward thinking and  sustainably minded consumer packaged goods’ business, Next Frontier Brands. 

Through its partnership with Andretti United Extreme E, FLUÈRE is committed to playing a  part in raising awareness of climate change impacts and motivate greater consideration for  what can be done to stem damage to the planet.  

Roiby Gonzalez, Chief Marketing Officer at Next Frontier Brands, said: “Extreme E has  achieved so much in its first season in regard to drawing attention to the role sport can play in the fight against climate challenge. 

“We are delighted to have been small part of the Championship’s journey through our partnership with Andretti United Extreme E, utilising our shared passion for raising  awareness of the impact of climate change. Here’s hoping the team can continue their  fantastic form into the final race at the Jurassic X Prix!”

Brentford FC Sign Steelo As New Club Partner

Brentford FC has today announced a partnership deal with the structural steel fabrication company, Steelo. The London-based organisation has signed a sponsorship agreement which will see them working with the Club as an Official Club Partner until the end of season 2023/24.

Steelo was founded in 2009 and prides itself on competitive pricing and a commitment to deliver their projects on time to the highest standard. Their innovative approach to steel fabrication has seen them progress to being known as one of the most ambitious and pioneering firms in the sector. 

The partnership with Brentford will support the next phase of Steelo’s growth as they look to build their digital profile, awareness and engagement in the community.

The Steelo brand made its first appearance at the Brentford Community Stadium on Friday night at the Watford game with it appearing on the LED pitchside boards. The deal will see investment being made into the Brentford Community Sports Trust with Steelo supporting the Trust’s work to educate and inspire participants in their award-winning programmes. Fans should also look out for their ticket promotions in the weeks ahead.

James Parkinson, Commercial Director, Brentford Football Club, said: “Steelo’s culture and values are very much akin to our own. They are ambitious, have a track record of innovation and have a reputation for high standards in the industry. A partnership with them is a strong fit for Brentford FC. We look forward to working with Michael Krajewski and his talented team over the coming years, especially their participation in the community.”

Michael Krajewski, Founder and CEO, Steelo Ltd, said: ”We are proud to be partnering with Brentford as their Official Steel Fabrication partner for the coming seasons.

“We look forward to building a strong partnership with the Club, the fans and the local community in the future. Our core values and ability to defy the odds have connected us, but it is our growth, passion and ability to deliver results when they are needed most that truly align us.” 

FIFA Launches New Commercial Partnership Structure Including Dedicated Programs For Women’s Football And Esports

For the first time since 2013, FIFA is introducing a new commercial partnership structure that will provide companies around the world with more tailored opportunities to partner with the sport of football, leverage the FIFA brand and support its competitions.

Three distinct partnership verticals are being launched this week with a range of packages available across Women’s football, Men’s Football and esports/gaming. 

Kay Madati, FIFA’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “As we continually work to make football truly global, accessible and inclusive, we recognised the need for a nimble and customisable commercial structure that enables brands big and small, global and local, to connect with all aspects of the beautiful game.  The new model will allow our partners to create more tailored programming and marketing activations that align directly with their strategic business goals, and connect them to the world’s most passionate fans, in the world’s most engaging sport.”

First dedicated commercial program for Women’s football launched to accelerate growth and equality of the women’s game

Building on FIFA’s Women’s Football strategy unveiled in 2018, the launch of a dedicated women’s football commercial vertical marks another step in FIFA’s commitment to make football more equitable and accessible for women and girls. Partners in this new vertical will be able to directly impact and support the growth and development of the women’s game.

Sarai Bareman, FIFA’s Chief Women’s Football Officer commented, “This marks a groundbreaking moment to maximize the growth of the women’s game and its marketing appeal, as we create equal commercial models across Women’s and Men’s Football for the first time. We’re excited about the opportunities for brands who want to support women’s sport, help accelerate women’s equality, and wish to align themselves with the unparalleled momentum around women’s football.’’

An exciting new era in football gaming and esports with FIFAe Vertical

As FIFA continues to broaden its esports and gaming footprint, a dedicated partnerships structure will provide exciting opportunities to participate in the fastest growing media vertical on the planet.  FIFAe – the recently launched umbrella brand for all of FIFA’s future esports and gaming initiatives – grants access to the interactive and immersive entertainment world of new generations, cultures, tournaments, and merchandising licensing opportunities.

FIFA’s New Commercial Structure At-A-Glance

A flexible partnership model will exist across the new distinct verticals for Women’s Football, Men’s Football, and esports/gaming.

  • World Cup Partners/Women’s Football Partners/FIFAe Partners will receive extensive global commercial rights across all national team tournaments within their respective vertical, or a premium position across all esports competitions for the FIFAe vertical
  • Sponsors will receive global activation rights surrounding the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the FIFA World Cup and/or across all FIFAe competitions
  • Tournament Supporters will be able to select territorial activation rights for either the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the FIFA World Cup or the FIFAe competitions. A more flexible Tournament Supporters program is now available for women’s and men’s development tournaments such as the FIFA U-20 and U-17 World Cups
  • FIFA Partners continue to hold the highest level of association with global partner status and category exclusivity across their respective FIFA properties and competitions
  • FIFA’s new commercial approach will enable brands to benefit from new opportunities to associate with FIFA’s brand to build and accelerate new business opportunities as well as create community and purpose-driven programs.

Genius Sports And Canadian Football League Agree To Transformative Sports Data And Global Technology Partnership

Genius Sports Limited, the official data, technology and commercial partner that powers the ecosystem connecting sports, betting and media, today announced a landmark strategic partnership with the Canadian Football League, the second largest football league globally with over 100 years of history.

Genius Sports will provide a wide range of technology and services that will enable the CFL to accelerate its growth plans and engage new audiences around the world.

As part of the agreement, Genius Sports will have the exclusive rights to commercialize the CFL’s official data worldwide and video content with sportsbooks in international markets, replicating the global distribution and success of its official betting products for the EPL and NFL, among others. In connection with the partnership, in addition to the official data rights agreement, Genius Sports and the CFL have also agreed that Genius Sports will acquire a minority stake in CFL Ventures, the new commercial arm of the League, allowing the Company to benefit strategically and financially from the CFL’s growth.

The CFL will be provided with one of the widest and most innovative data ecosystems in world sport, transforming its relationships with fans, sportsbooks, and media in North America and globally. Bringing together its recent acquisitions of Second Spectrum, Spirable, FanHub and Sportzcast, Genius Sports will power the entire CFL digital infrastructure. This will include live broadcast augmentation, advanced data tracking tools, highly targeted and personalized fan engagement solutions, cross-platform streaming capabilities, play-by-play and scoreboard data collection technology, coaching analytics products, and integrity services to safeguard the league.

“Our partnership with Genius Sports has the potential to launch a new era for the CFL,” said Randy Ambrosie, Commissioner of the Canadian Football League. “It provides access to the technology and tools we need to engage our existing fans, and reach new ones, in exciting, innovative and highly customized ways. This goes beyond transforming our marketing. It can redefine our relationship with fans, partners and other key stakeholders, here in Canada and globally.”

“By providing the CFL with an incredible range of sports technology solutions, Genius Sports is setting a new precedent for sports partnerships,” said Mark Locke, CEO of Genius Sports. “Together, we will revolutionize the entire CFL product, delivering truly immersive experiences for their existing fans and attracting new audiences who crave year-round, top-flight football action.”

This partnership will help facilitate the CFL’s growth ambitions, expanding its audience in the U.S., while extending its reach into new international markets. Genius Sports will help the CFL to capitalize on the growth of the North American sports betting market, maximizing revenue and engagement opportunities.

The transaction is expected to become effective in January 2022. An O’Melveny & Myers LLP team, led by partners Charles Baker and Amy Siegel and counsel Eric Geffner and Rob Catmull together with McCarthy Tetrault LLP, advised Genius Sports on this transformative transaction.

LaLiga General Assembly Ratifies “Boost LaLiga” CVC Financial Deal

The LaLiga General Assembly today ratified the Boost LaLiga (LaLiga Impulso) project with backing from a large majority of clubs. The project is a strategic agreement reached with global investment fund CVC to promote the global growth of LaLiga and its clubs.

In total, 37 of LaLiga’s 42 clubs voted in favour of the project, which represents a total investment of €1.994 billion for both sporting and business growth initiatives.

Boost LaLiga sees LaLiga join forces with an established partner with extensive experience in Spain and the international sports industry, providing long-term investment and expertise to help LaLiga and its clubs strengthen their infrastructure, digitalisation, and internationalisation during an uncertain time for the industry.

The project approved today by the General Assembly carves out the clubs that choose not to participate. For the rest, this injection of nearly €2 billion commits the clubs to allocating up to 70% of the funds to investments linked to infrastructure, international development, brand and product development, communication strategy, innovation and technology, and a content development plan for digital platforms and social media. Up to 15% can be used to sign players, with the remaining 15% for reducing debt. 

This collaboration is a defining moment for Spanish sport and football in particular. The agreement will advance the modernisation of clubs, benefitting football fans, the Spanish sports industry and boosting its profile worldwide.

LaLiga President Javier Tebas commented: “This is a new milestone in the history of LaLiga and its clubs. We’re proud to have reached this agreement with CVC, which will allow us to continue our transformation towards a global digital entertainment company, improving the competition and enhancing the fan experience.” Tebas added that “we’ve been able to get this project off the ground. I am confident it will be a watershed positive moment for these 37 clubs. It will mean they will be able to improve their infrastructures for fans to enjoy, develop their international brand and collectively take giant steps to continue improving this league’s stature around the world.”

The clubs involved echoed the thoughts of the President of LaLiga and expressed their delight after the project was given the final green light.

A unique long-term project for clubs

The agreement was ratified today by the General Assembly after Real Madrid, FC Barcelona and Athletic Club requested to opt out in August. Following their decision not to be involved, the project was restructured and has now been approved by 37 of the 42 clubs, excluding those clubs opting out.

Today’s ratification is the culmination of many months of hard work and exhaustive analysis in search of the best option to support and promote LaLiga clubs, working together with a host of leading firms. The deal was valued by Rothschild & Co and Duff & Phelps for LaLiga and CVC respectively; LaLiga was advised by Uría Menéndez and KPMG, while CVC was advised by Latham & Watkins.

The agreement will consolidate LaLiga’s position among the world’s leading entertainment industry brands, embodying passion, excitement and dynamism like no other competition, and help it continue working towards its ultimate goal: to achieve excellence and to continue offering a quality entertainment product for fans around the world.

Faisal Hasnain Appointed Pakistan Cricket Board Chief Executive

The Pakistan Cricket Board today announced that, following a robust recruitment process, it has appointed Faisal Hasnain as its new Chief Executive. He will formally assume charge in January 2022.

Faisal is a UK qualified Chartered Accountant and has had a professional career of over 35 years in high-profile finance and sports administration roles with some of the world’s leading blue chip organisations. This includes his role in Monaco and Dubai as the Chief Financial Officer of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and as the Managing Director of Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC).

As the ICC’s Chief Financial Officer, Faisal managed an overall financial portfolio of around $3billion and was also involved in the sale of the ICC’s commercial rights for the 2007-2015 and the 2016-2023 commercial cycles. With Zimbabwe Cricket, he was instrumental in the refinancing of their commercial debts, arriving at the financial arrangements between ZC and the ICC, securing ZC’s funding and status within the ICC and securing hosting rights for the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018 – Zimbabwe’s first global event in 15 years. 

PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja: “I am delighted to confirm the appointment of Faisal Hasnain as the PCB’s Chief Executive and welcome him to Pakistan cricket family.

“Faisal is a familiar figure in world cricket and is highly regarded, respected and trusted for his excellence in corporate governance, financial management and commercial acumen. With the plans I have for the PCB, Faisal will be a perfect fit as he can utilise his vast experience and knowledge to help us achieve our commercial and financial objectives of making Pakistan cricket bigger and stronger.”

Faisal Hasnain: “I feel honoured and privileged to have been awarded with this once in a lifetime opportunity to serve Pakistan cricket and thank the PCB Chairman and the Board of Governors for having the confidence in my capabilities.

“I am fully committed to playing my part in delivering the PCB Chairman’s vision for Pakistan cricket, fulfilling the expectations and dreams of millions of passionate Pakistan cricket fans and strengthening  the relationships with our existing commercial partners, the ICC and other Cricket Boards and developing new partnerships as we move forward.

“These are highly exciting times in Pakistan cricket and I look forward to working very closely with my colleagues at the PCB so that we can collectively further enhance the image, reputation and profile of this great institution.”

Andrew Parsons Re-Elected As IPC President For Second Term

Brazilian Andrew Parsons has been re-elected for a second four-year term as President of International Paralympic Committee (IPC).  Parsons, who was standing unopposed, received 156 yes votes (98 per cent) of the 159 valid votes at the 20th IPC General Assembly which was held virtually on Sunday 12 December.

Parsons, the former President of the Brazilian Paralympic Committee and Americas Paralympic Committee, has served various roles within the Paralympic Movement over the last 24 years since starting out as an intern at the Brazilian Paralympic Committee.  He was elected as IPC President in September 2017, succeeding Sir Philip Craven who stepped down after 16 years.

“I would like to thank the IPC membership for your support, it is an absolute honour to re-elected as President of the International Paralympic Committee,” said Parsons. “I started as an intern in the Brazilian Paralympic Committee 24 years ago so to be re-elected after, what I think was a successful first four years, is fantastic, I am so over the moon.

“I also want to congratulate all of the Board members who have been elected, including our Vice President Duane Kale who did a very good job over the last four years chairing the working group on the governance review.

“It’s a very interesting and new Board; we have more women than ever before and, with the Chair of the Athletes’ Council, we have eight former Para athletes or Paralympians.  This will help us a lot over the next four years.

“We are saying goodbye to some Board members who were trying for re-election and I would like to thank them all for the last four years.  We have achieved so much together, and it was an honour serving this organisation, and the athletes with you.

“This General Assembly was not just about elections but also about approving the new IPC Constitution.  This was a very important step to our governance and our purpose.  Our purpose is clearer than ever before, it’s about the athletes and the membership, the Paralympic Games and it’s about human rights.  The newly elected Board will help us with this implementation.

“Our organisation is going through an incredible moment in time even though we are still facing the pandemic.  With successful Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, we showed to the world what this Movement is about, what we stand for and how we focus on the well-being of our members and our athletes.”

During his first four-year term Parsons transformed the culture within the IPC to make it a more membership-focussed, athlete-centred organisation and oversaw the safe and successful delivery of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. He strengthened the IPC’s relationship with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), signing a new agreement between the two organisations which provides financial stability for the IPC and maintains the “one city, two Games” model through to 2032.  By adding a third strategic pillar to the IPC activities focusing on advancing the human rights of persons with disabilities, he has also redefined the IPC’s purpose.

In addition to Parsons’ re-appointment, New Zealander Duane Kale was also re-elected for a second four-year term as IPC Vice President.  Standing unopposed, the four-time Paralympic swimming champion received 154 yes votes from the 159 valid votes.

Having competed at the Atlanta 1996 Paralympic Games, Kale served as the New Zealand Chef de Mission for the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Paralympic Games.  Since election as IPC Vice President in 2017 he has chaired and led the IPC governance review process and chaired the IPC Audit & Finance Committee.

Kale said: “I want to thank the membership for their endorsement of my second consecutive term as Vice President of the IPC and the opportunity to serve alongside President Andrew Parsons. Despite the challenges faced, we have made significant advancements in the delivery of our strategic plan and with our Purpose. There is no doubt with the momentum we have, that the next four-year cycle will continue to deliver for our athletes, members and the Paralympic Movement. It is an honour to serve this incredible organisation.”

On Sunday, the IPC membership also elected 10 Members at Large following three rounds of voting.   Overall, the IPC Governing Board now includes a record six female Board members, including IPC Athletes’ Council Chairperson Jitske Visser.  The Board also includes a record eight Para athletes and Paralympians.

The Members at Large elected are to serve four-year terms are:

  • Debra Alexander (South Africa – World Triathlon) 
  • Mohamed Alhameli (UAE – NPC)
  • Muffy Davis (USA – NPC)
  • Miki Matheson (Japan – NPC)
  • Chelsey Gotell (Canada – NPC) 
  • Jai-Jun Chung (Korea – NPC) 
  • Luca Pancalli (Italy – NPC)
  • John Petersson (Denmark – NPC)
  • Majid Rashed (UAE – Asian Paralympic Committee) 
  • Robyn Smith (Australia – Virtus) 

Visser said: “On behalf of the IPC Athletes’ Council, I would like to congratulate all the members who were successfully elected to the IPC Governing Board.

“Out of the 13 Governing Board members, eight are Para athletes and Paralympians. As the official athlete representative on the Board, it is phenomenal to see so many athletes stepping into leadership positions, thus, increasing the athlete perspective into the policy and decision-making as we navigate the future of our movement.

“I am looking forward to working alongside fellow Governing Board members to continue to advance the Paralympic Movement and increase the voice of the athlete community into the decision-making process. “

All Board members elected on Sunday will serve four-year terms through to the 22nd IPC General Assembly which will be held in late 2025.  With the approval of a new IPC Constitution by IPC members on Saturday (11 December), the First Vice-Chair of the IPC Athletes’ Council, will also serve on the IPC Governing Board alongside Visser.  The First Vice-Chair will be elected by their fellow IPC Athletes’ Council members post the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games.

Table Tennis England has appointed Adrian Christy as interim Chief Executive

Adrian was previously CEO at Badminton England, also based in Milton Keynes, stepping down in September after 15 years at the helm.

He starts immediately and will work initially alongside outgoing Chief Executive Sara Sutcliffe, who leaves Table Tennis England later this month.

The appointment follows an open recruitment process which resulted in six applicants being interviewed.

Table Tennis England Chair Sandra Deaton said: “I was delighted at the number and calibre of applications. The interview panel made up of a representation of the Nominations Committee interviewed six candidates. Following a robust process, it was unanimously agreed that Adrian Christy should be appointed. I am delighted to say Adrian has accepted the post and will commence immediately.

“Adrian has a wealth of experience in the industry, having been the CEO of Badminton England for some 15 years. His knowledge and experience in running a National Governing Body will enable him to easily move into our sport and maintain the momentum of the significant projects and programmes we have over the next few months.

“The Board welcomes the appointment of Adrian and look forward to working with him over the coming months. Over the next few weeks, we will continue with the recruitment process for a permanent CEO.”

Adrian, who will continue as a consultant to the Board of Pentathlon GB, said: “I am delighted to be able to join the Board and the team at Table Tennis England.

“This is a very exciting time for the organisation, particularly as it celebrates its Centenary, and I very much look forward to providing leadership, energy and support to the team during this period of transition and ensuring the great work to date, led by Sara, continues.”

The Table Tennis England Board decided to seek an interim appointment because recruiting senior leaders can take time, particularly as a candidate may have to give several months’ notice to their current employer.

Recruitment for a permanent CEO will begin shortly in conjunction with Hartmann Mason, an executive search firm with a specialist focus and strong track record recruiting for many sporting national governing bodies.

Racecourse Media Group Awarded Dubai Racing Club Production And Distribution Contracts

Racecourse Media Group (RMG) has been awarded a further two-year contract by Dubai Racing Club to provide production and distribution services of the next two full horseracing seasons at Meydan Racecourse.

The season culminates with the glittering US$30.5m Dubai World Cup card on March 26, 2022 – recognised as one of the most prestigious day’s racing in the calendar.

Timeline Television will provide broadcast facilities and crew to support RMG’s host production and on-course coverage.

RMG, working with its long-time broadcast partner, Timeline, has produced and distributed horseracing from the flagship racecourse in Dubai for the previous six seasons, is offering exciting broadcast rights packages for the season.

Martin Stevenson, CEO of RMG, said: “We are delighted that Dubai Racing Club has once again appointed RMG for its production and distribution services. We look forward to working closely with our valued partners, Dubai Racing Club, in showcasing such a significant sporting event to the world.”

Dan McDonnell, CEO of Timeline Television, said: “We’re proud to be working with the Dubai Racing Club and Racecourse Media Group for the seventh year running. Each year we look to see how we can best capture the racing action and for the second year in a row we’re delighted to be providing both on-site and remote broadcast facilities to make this a more sustainable broadcast production.”

The 2021-2022 race season includes 22 meetings in all. The 2022 Dubai World Cup Carnival (DWCC), one of the highlights of the global racing calendar, begins on Thursday, January 13, one of eight meetings which culminates with Super Saturday on March 5.

The Dubai World Cup race-day enjoyed unprecedented global exposure in 2021, with more than 40 broadcasters showcasing the day.

Created through the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the racing is set against one of the most iconic sporting theatres, the state-of-the-art Meydan Racecourse. The architectural masterpiece measures 1.2km in length and can seat over 60,000 in its grandstand.

Racecourse Media Group is the parent company of Racing TV.

Sky And Channel 4 Strike Deal To Show 2021 Formula 1 Climax Free-To-Air In The UK

The deciding final race of the Formula 1 season will be shown live on free to air terrestrial television this Sunday (12.12.21) after Sky agreed to share its coverage with Channel 4.

Thanks to the deal struck between the two broadcasters, the British public will be able to savour every twist and turn as Lewis Hamilton sets his sights on taking a record-breaking eighth World Championship title in the winner-takes-all finale.

Channel 4’s Chief Executive Alex Mahon said: “We are delighted that the whole nation will be able to watch what is set to be one of the most thrilling finales to an F1 season in living memory as Lewis strives to become the most crowned World Champion of all time.

“After bringing Test cricket to free to air television for the first time in more than a decade, and enabling millions to share the joy of Emma Raducanu’s US Open triumph, we are so pleased to be partnering with Sky to enable the widest possible audience to share this historic sporting moment.”

Stephen van Rooyen, EVP & CEO UK & Europe Sky said: “Sunday’s Grand Prix is one of the biggest sporting events in the last decade, and could be an historic moment for British sport. We’ve chosen to gift the race to the whole country at Christmas through our partnership with Channel 4, so everyone can be part of a huge national moment as Lewis Hamilton goes for a historic eighth World Championship title.

“The brilliant Sky Sports Formula 1 team will give viewers on Channel 4 and Sky Sports the best insight, commentary and analysis of every twist and turn of this most eagerly anticipated final race of the season. Additionally all Sky TV customers will have live coverage of the important qualifying session on Saturday, and the race on Sunday – which we will also show live on Sky Showcase.”

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen are tied on 369.5 points each with Verstappen currently leading the Drivers’ Championship having secured a total of nine wins, one more than Hamilton’s eight.

This year has witnessed crashes, controversies and collisions between the two drivers and set up a mouth-watering grandstand finish to the 2021 Formula 1 season.

Under the terms of the deal, Channel 4 will broadcast Sky’s production of the live race coverage with its presenting team of Nico Rosberg, Jenson Button, Martin Brundle, Nat Pinkham, David Croft, Karun Chandhok, Simon Lazenby and Ted Kravitz.

Channel 4’s team of Steve Jones, David Coulthard, Mark Webber and Lee McKenzie will provide build up to the race for 15 minutes from midday before handing over to Sky for their pre-race coverage and Sky’s live coverage of the race itself.

After the podium ceremony Channel 4’s presentation team will return to give its instant reaction to the race before a full Channel 4 highlights programme produced by Whisper airs at 5.30pm.

This latest deal follows on from a recent announcement that Channel 4 would broadcast ten live Super League matches each season for the next two years thanks to a partnership with Sky. It is the first time in the competition’s 26-year history that it will be shown on free to air terrestrial television.

This is the latest in a string of sports broadcasts secured by Channel 4 which have included: live coverage of Emma Raducanu’s stunning US Open victory; live British Lions rugby; live Test match cricket coverage of England’s tour in India; live coverage of the Ireland rugby union autumn internationals; and live in-depth coverage of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games which attracted 20 million viewers.