The provisional 2014 Formula One calendar has been updated, with the main change being that India is no longer there, which is not a surprise as it is taking a year off in 2014. Korea has also been dropped, with Russia coming in. New Jersey and Mexico were also meant to be coming in, but alas, that is no longer the case. The calendar, provisionally, is therefore as follows:
March 16th – Australia (Melbourne)
March 30th – Malaysia (Sepang)
April 6th – Bahrain (Sakhir)
April 20th – China (Shanghai)
May 11th – Spain (Barcelona)
May 25th – Monaco (Monaco)
June 8th – Canada (Montreal)
June 22nd – Austria (Red Bull Ring)
July 6th – Britain (Silverstone)
July 20th – Germany (Hockenheim)
July 27th – Hungary (Budapest)
August 24th – Belgium (Spa)
September 7th – Italy (Monza)
September 21st – Singapore (Marina Bay)
October 5th – Japan (Suzuka)
October 12th – Russia (Sochi)
October 26th – USA (Circuit of the Americas)
November 2nd – Brazil (Interlagos)
November 16th – Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina)
Because of the way the BBC and Sky deal works, both sides have to ‘pick’ races. The races that BBC pick will be shown live on BBC One and Sky Sports F1, while the races that Sky pick will be shown exclusively live on Sky Sports F1, with highlights on BBC One. The picks go as follows:
– BBC pick three races (pick 1, 2 and 3)
– Sky pick three races (pick 4, 5 and 6)
– BBC pick one race (pick 7)
– Sky pick one race (pick 8)
This continues until every race has been picked. Next season is provisionally scheduled with nineteen races, which means Sky get the deciding pick, so that they have either half of the total number of races, or “half + 1 race”. Basically here, I’m predicting how the pick orders will go. Last year, there was a bit of free reign with the calendar picks, but next year, we have the football World Cup 2014, which may influence the pick orders. We will come to that later. So, like I did last year, I’m going to start from scratch.
Before I start, I think it’d be a good idea to see how successful I was last year. Last year I got ten out of nineteen right versus the real thing. It is only a bit of fun, and good for discussion too as the calendar moves forward.
BBC pick Britain, Abu Dhabi and Brazil – Frustration here for the BBC, I imagine. As it stands that British Grand Prix will clash with the Wimbledon final, so a move to BBC Two beckons if things do not change! I think the British race will eventually move to June 29th, but as time progresses, that is looking unlikely. Abu Dhabi looks depressingly like it is the last race of the season, so BBC will pick them, along with Brazil. Brazil is a different situation to USA, USA falls slap bang in the middle of primetime, whereas Brazil does not. The above three are set in stone. Therefore Sky pick Monaco, USA (Circuit of the Americas) and Canada. This is where things can get a messy, and where I think Sky won’t pick Australia. Two prime time races again are much bigger for Sky than getting the season opener, BBC having to pick Abu Dhabi leaves a door open like in 2012, therefore I can see Sky getting both USA and Canada.
Now, interestingly, Canada does not clash with next year’s World Cup, as the World Cup does not start until June 12th. Which means BBC could, if Sky did not pick it, screen Canada live (unlike in 2012 when it did clash with the European Championships). The only potential thwart to that plan is if England have a friendly on that Sunday in primetime. I’m not sure BBC would want the F1 to go against an England friendly on ITV. But we shall see what happens. As discussed above, BBC would not want USA. Monaco is the same as this year, as discussed above. Things alternate from here onwards. BBC haven’t screened the season opener since 2011, and I’d be surprised if they go another year without. Meaning BBC pick Australia and Sky pick Malaysia.
Which leaves us in this position:
March 16th – Australia (Melbourne) – BBC
March 30th – Malaysia (Sepang) – Sky
April 6th – Bahrain (Sakhir)
April 20th – China (Shanghai)
May 11th – Spain (Barcelona)
May 25th – Monaco (Monaco) – Sky
June 8th – Canada (Montreal) – Sky
June 22nd – Austria (Red Bull Ring)
July 6th – Britain (Silverstone) – BBC
July 20th – Germany (Hockenheim)
July 27th – Hungary (Budapest)
August 24th – Belgium (Spa)
September 7th – Italy (Monza)
September 21st – Singapore (Marina Bay)
October 5th – Japan (Suzuka)
October 12th – Russia (Sochi)
October 26th – USA (Circuit of the Americas) – Sky
November 2nd – Brazil (Interlagos) – BBC
November 16th – Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina) – BBC
Moving back to the European races now, and in a reverse of what happened in 2012, BBC pick Italy, Sky pick Belgium. There is not a lot to discuss here, except to make sure that BBC does not have three or more live races one after the other, it must be two at most line a stern – and that applies to Sky exclusivity too. With Sky picking Belgium, BBC pick Hungary and Sky pick Germany. It does mean that BBC viewers go six weeks without live Formula 1, but I can’t see how that can be avoided. Thankfully, the middle of the calendar though is much better balanced than last year. From this point, things alternate, although the only thing I think should be noted is that I can’t see BBC picking Russia in the event that it is dropped (same applies to Korea later). Hence BBC pick Japan and Sky pick Singapore. Also, BBC pick Austria and Sky pick Russia
Which means we are left with this:
March 16th – Australia (Melbourne) – BBC
March 30th – Malaysia (Sepang) – Sky
April 6th – Bahrain (Sakhir)
April 20th – China (Shanghai)
May 11th – Spain (Barcelona)
May 25th – Monaco (Monaco) – Sky
June 8th – Canada (Montreal) – Sky
June 22nd – Austria (Red Bull Ring) – BBC
July 6th – Britain (Silverstone) – BBC
July 20th – Germany (Hockenheim) – Sky
July 27th – Hungary (Budapest) – BBC
August 24th – Belgium (Spa) – Sky
September 7th – Italy (Monza) – BBC
September 21st – Singapore (Marina Bay) – Sky
October 5th – Japan (Suzuka) – BBC
October 12th – Russia (Sochi) – Sky
October 26th – USA (Circuit of the Americas) – Sky
November 2nd – Brazil (Interlagos) – BBC
November 16th – Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina) – BBC
The remaining races are therefore China, Bahrain and Spain. I cannot see BBC wanting Bahrain live whilst Also, Sky won’t want Spain exclusively as it falls on the last day of the Premier League season. Meaning BBC pick China and Sky pick Bahrain. And Sky pick Spain. Which leaves the final calendar as follows:
March 16th – Australia (Melbourne) – BBC
March 30th – Malaysia (Sepang) – Sky
April 6th – Bahrain (Sakhir) – Sky
April 20th – China (Shanghai) – BBC
May 11th – Spain (Barcelona) – Sky
May 25th – Monaco (Monaco) – Sky
June 8th – Canada (Montreal) – Sky
June 22nd – Austria (Red Bull Ring) – BBC
July 6th – Britain (Silverstone) – BBC
July 20th – Germany (Hockenheim) – Sky
July 27th – Hungary (Budapest) – BBC
August 24th – Belgium (Spa) – Sky
September 7th – Italy (Monza) – BBC
September 21st – Singapore (Marina Bay) – Sky
October 5th – Japan (Suzuka) – BBC
October 12th – Russia (Sochi) – Sky
October 26th – USA (Circuit of the Americas) – Sky
November 2nd – Brazil (Interlagos) – BBC
November 16th – Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina) – BBC
Bad news! The above would never happen. Why? Sky are not allowed three exclusive races in a row, whilst BBC are not allowed to screen three live races in a row. The only option I can see is to swap Austria and Monaco, so it turns into:
March 16th – Australia (Melbourne) – BBC
March 30th – Malaysia (Sepang) – Sky
April 6th – Bahrain (Sakhir) – Sky
April 20th – China (Shanghai) – BBC
May 11th – Spain (Barcelona) – Sky
May 25th – Monaco (Monaco) – BBC
June 8th – Canada (Montreal) – Sky
June 22nd – Austria (Red Bull Ring) – Sky
July 6th – Britain (Silverstone) – BBC
July 20th – Germany (Hockenheim) – Sky
July 27th – Hungary (Budapest) – BBC
August 24th – Belgium (Spa) – Sky
September 7th – Italy (Monza) – BBC
September 21st – Singapore (Marina Bay) – Sky
October 5th – Japan (Suzuka) – BBC
October 12th – Russia (Sochi) – Sky
October 26th – USA (Circuit of the Americas) – Sky
November 2nd – Brazil (Interlagos) – BBC
November 16th – Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina) – BBC
Which is now fine! I will update this post periodically like I did last year as the calendar changes. But this is how I imagine the pick order progressing.
Updated on November 28th, 2013.
Motorsport Broadcasting 
I take it that nothing further has been heard of the rumours that the Beeb won’t be showing any live F1 next season?
Correct, although if I remember it was one person that mentioned it, no more.
A well balanced article, I would expect something very similar to what you have suggested!
My predictions are similar to yours but this is what I think:
Australia – Sky
Malaysia – BBC
China – BBC
Korea – Sky
Bahrain – Sky
Spain – BBC
Monaco – Sky
Canada – BBC
Austria – Sky
Britain – BBC
Germany – BBC
Hungary – Sky
Belgium – BBC
Italy – Sky
Singapore – Sky
Japan – BBC
Russia – Sky
Abu Dhabi – BBC
Mexico – Sky
USA – Sky
Brazil – BBC
I think BBC will take Britain, Canada and Brazil straight away and Sky will take Monaco, USA and Australia. Prime time slots are important but Mexico is a risky choice for Sky so early on. Also I think BBC will then take Belgium and Sky take Italy. Next I think BBC take Malaysia, Sky take Mexico, BBC take Japan, Sky take Russia, BBC take Abu Dhabi and Sky have Singapore.
Moving back to Europe, I think BBC will pick Spain with Sky having Hungary. Then I think BBC will take Germany with Sky having Austria. Finally I know BBC would prefer China over Korea so BBC takes China with Sky having Bahrain and Korea left.
F1 is a great sport, but the Sky Sports/BBC deal isnt good for F1. Bernie should stop chasing money and give F1 fans what they want; which is Live and free Formula 1 racing on the BBC. A good deal if BBC cant afford every race live is BBC shows ten races and Channel 4 show ten races.
Personally given a straight choice I would pick Belgium over Italy if I was BBC for numerous reasons. It’s at the end of the summer break, it’s the finest track in the world, and Monza is over in 75 minutes anyway.
The asterisks against so many races make it very difficult to predict the picks at this point. New Jersey will be the interesting one if it goes ahead.
Would the BBC ever dare to think about dropping a live British GP clashing with a Wimbledon final?! Probably not but worth considering…
I have a new prediction but it’s very similar to my old one.
BBC will take Britain, Monaco and Brazil followed by Sky taking Mexico, USA, Texas and Australia. If Sky dont take Canada here BBC will go Canada, Sky take New Jersey. BBC take Belgium and Sky take Italy. Moving back up the Calendar BBC take Malaysia and Sky take Bahrain. I think the BBC will take Singapore, Sky take Russia, BBC take Japan and Sky can’t have Abu Dhabi so they take Hungary. BBC take Germany with Sky taking Austria. BBC take Spain, Sky take Korea. BBC take Abu Dhabi and Sky take China.
You’ve given more than 3 in a row for Sky exclutivity. Bahrain, China and Korea.
My Predictions don’t mean anything but this is what I think:
Australia: Sky
Malaysia: BBC
Bahrain: Sky
China: BBC
Korea: Sky
Spain: BBC
Monaco: BBC
New Jersey: Sky
Canada: BBC
Austria: Sky
Britain: BBC
Germany: Sky
Hungary: Sky
Belgium: BBC
Italy: BBC
Singapore: Sky
Russia: Sky
Japan: BBC
Abu Dhabi: BBC
Austin: Sky
Mexico: Sky
Brazil: BBC
We can’t predict properly because the calendar isn’t official.
I don’t think New Jersey and Korea will take place next year. But my new prediction is as follows:
Australia – Sky
Malaysia – BBC
Bahrain – Sky
China – BBC
Korea – Sky
Spain – BBC
Monaco – Sky
New Jersey – Sky
Canada – BBC
Austria – Sky
Britain – BBC
Germany – BBC
Hungary – Sky
Belgium – BBC
Italy – Sky
Singapore – BBC
Russia – Sky
Japan – BBC
Abu Dhabi – Sky
Texas – Sky
Mexico – BBC
Brazil – BBC
My opinion on the pick order is this:
Australia – BBC
Malaysia – Sky
Bahrain – Sky
China – BBC
Korea – Sky
Spain – BBC
Monaco – Sky
New Jersey – Sky
Canada – BBC
Austria – Sky
Britain – BBC
Germany – BBC
Hungary – Sky
Belgium – BBC
Italy – Sky
Singapore – BBC
Russia – Sky
Japan – BBC
Abu Dhabi – Sky
USA – Sky
Mexico – BBC
Brazil – BBC
My Predictions Are
March 16 – Australia (Melbourne) BBC Live
March 30 – Malaysia (Sepang) Sky Sports F1 Live
April 6 – Bahrain (Sakhir) BBC Live
April 13 – China (Shanghai) Sky Sports F1 Live
April 27 – Korea (Korea International Circuit) Sky Sports F1 Live
May 11 – Spain (Barcelona) BBC Live
May 25 – Monaco (Monaco) BBC Live
June 1 – USA (New Jersey) Sky Sports F1 Live
June 8 – Canada (Montreal) BBC Live
June 22 – Austria (Red Bull Ring) Sky Sports F1 Live
July 6 – Great Britain (Silverstone) BBC Live
July 20 – Germany (Hockenheim) Sky Sports F1 Live
July 27 – Hungary (Budapest) BBC Live
August 24 – Belgium (Spa) Sky Sports F1 Live
September 7 – Italy (Monza) BBC Live
September 21 – Singapore (Marina Bay) Sky Sports F1 Live
October 5 – Russia (Sochi) BBC Live
October 12 – Japan (Suzuka) BBC Live
October 26 – Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina) Sky Sports F1 Live
November 9 – USA (Austin, Texas) BBC Live
November 16 – Mexico (Mexico City) Sky Sports F1 Live
November 30 – Brazil (Interlagos) BBC Live
Ruman Khan
If the new 19 race calendar is used here are my new predictions:
Australia – Sky Sports F1
Malaysia – BBC SPORT
Bahrain – Sky Sports F1
China – Sky Sports F1
Spain – BBC SPORT
Monaco – Sky Sports F1
Canada – BBC SPORT
Austria – Sky Sports F1
Britain – BBC SPORT
Germany – Sky Sports F1
Hungary – Sky Sports F1
Belgium – BBC SPORT
Italy – Sky Sports F1
Singapore – BBC SPORT
Japan – BBC SPORT
Russia – Sky Sports F1
USA – Sky Sports F1
Brazil – BBC SPORT
Abu Dhabi – BBC SPORT
Australia – BBC
Malaysia – Sky
Bahrain – Sky
China – BBC
Spain – Sky
Monaco – Sky
Canada – BBC
Austria – Sky
Britain – BBC
Germany – Sky
Hungary – Sky
Belgium – BBC
Italy – Sky
Singapore – BBC
Russia – Sky
Japan – BBC
USA – Sky
Brazil – BBC
Abu Dhabi – BBC
A few differences compared to your predictions but I feel BBC would prefer Belgium over Italy and Canada over Monaco.
Australian GP – Sky
Malsysian GP – BBC
Bahrain GP – Sky
Chinese GP – BBC
Spanish GP – Sky
Monaco GP – Sky
Canadian GP – BBC
Austrian GP – Sky
British GP – BBC
German GP – Sky
Hungarian GP – Sky
Belgian GP – BBC
Italian GP – Sky
Singapore GP – BBC
Japan – BBC
Russia – Sky
USA – BBC
Brazil – Sky
Abu Dhabi – BBC
I think BBC would love Brazil but primetime races are always better, even if they clash with Strictly Come Dancing. Abu Dhabi isn’t a race I would usually pick but the beeb have no choice because it is the season finale.
I see that the World Cup picks have led to the BBC showing Belgium v Russia live at 5pm on Sunday 22nd June. That being the obvious timeslot for F1 highlights, it’d suggest that the Austrian race will be live on the BBC.
The Austrian GP could still have a highlights package because BBC would only be worried if it was an England match they were going against.
I can’t see the BBC picking Spain to be honest as they almost scored a huge open goal in Monaco in 2012 – with their qualifying coverage running slightly late (but not sufficiently enough to switch to BBC Two, the BBC were rearranging their afternoon schedule as they had to jet off to the live ‘The Voice’, which couldn’t be late as they would not have been allowed to delay the Eurovision Song Contest, as it MUST start at 2100 CET (2000 BST). I could see the BBC picking Monaco and China, if only to stop them broadcasting the Spanish Grand Prix qualifying, which, you guessed it, is on the same day as Eurovision…
yes but spain quali live would be at 1300hrs if it was live and if it was highlights they would start at 5 or 6. so how does intefere?
bbc this year was terrible for some races getting cut off early or really short highlights programmes. firstly they know the news is on at 6 or 7 so why are highlights scheduled then(also dont know why the news has to be on bbc1 everyone who has a tv has access to bbc news 24 in this day and age.)
and even worse is that when we had full live coverage they never cut off early. i just wish instead of highlights we had delayed live coverage of all sessions on the non live weekends would make watching it a whole lot better.
as for calender picks i really hope bbc pick melbourne even if it is early i really miss getting up for the 1st 3 races at 5.00am.
If the BBC are worried about the Eurovision song contest, they shouldn’t have Spain or Monaco live and have Canada. Canada is better for the BBC because it is in a primetime slot. Normally at 7pm (UK) which is better for viewing figures than Monaco with a 1pm (UK) start time.
ESC is on the week leading up to Spain. Yes, I am a EuroFan…
The 9 BBC races I would like to see are:
Malaysia
China
Monaco
Canada
Britain
Belgium
Japan
Brazil
Abu Dhabi
Thanks to Sky we know the order now. http://www1.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/9081007/2014-australian-monaco-brazilian-and-singapore-gps-live-only-on-sky-sports-f1
March 16: Australia – Exclusively live.
March 30: Malaysia – Live.
April 6: Bahrain – Exclusively live.
April 20: China – Exclusively live.
May 11: Spain – Live.
May 25: Monaco – Exclusively live.
June 8: Canada – Live.
June 22: Austria – Exclusively live.
July 6: Great Britain – Live.
July 20: Germany – Exclusively live.
July 27: Hungary – Exclusively live.
August 24: Belgium – Live.
September 7: Italy – Live.
September 21: Singapore – Exclusively live.
October 5: Japan – Live.
October 12: Russia – Live.
November 2: USA – Exclusively live.
November 9: Brazil – Exclusively live
November 23: Abu Dhabi – Live.