MotoGP to broadcast two races live on free-to-air TV in the UK
Broadcasting rights for the MotoGP championship are exclusively held by BT Sport, and will remain that way until the end of 2024.
The paid subscription network has been the home for MotoGP racing in the UK since 2014, which has subsequently made free-to-air coverage of the sport very limited.
- Official: Suzuki in discussions ‘to end MotoGP participation’
- Razgatlioglu set for June MotoGP test, in contention for 2023 RNF Yamaha seat
- Quartararo ‘looking forward to rematch’ with Bagnaia at Le Mans MotoGP
Prior to BT Sport taking over, BBC held the rights to broadcast the sport live. This came in the form of live showings on BBC2, while Moto2 and Moto3 were available on the red button service.
For those without a BT Sport subscription, watching MotoGP has consisted largely of highlight shows on ITV4.
The first race to be broadcast live on ITV is the German Grand Prix at Sachsenring on June 17-19. ITV’s main channel will showcase the premier class race, while ITV4 will televise the Moto2 and Moto3 races.
As was the case in 2021, ITV will then broadcast the 2022 British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
The British GP takes place on 5-7 of August, with all three classes shown live on ITV’s main channel.
Will MotoGP increase free-to-air coverage?
It’s unknown whether MotoGP will look to increase its free-to-air coverage going forward, but if it does then fans without BT Sport or MotoGP’s video pass subscription will be a big beneficiary.
It is also unclear whether ITV will field its own bespoke coverage or elect to run the world feed again.
For last year’s French MotoGP, ITV4 used the world feed for its coverage, while at Silverstone it used its own presentation team while keeping the world feed commentary.
Round seven of the 2022 MotoGP world championship continues this weekend as Le Mans plays host to its 35th motorcycle Grand Prix event.
Jack Miller was the winner 12 months ago as he claim his second of two wins in 2021. Heading the championship standings is reigning world champion Fabio Quartararo who will be looking for a first home win.
