Bernie: Itv To Blame.

Bernie Ecclestone has hit back at claims that his attempts to finance digital coverage of Formula One caused British viewers to miss out on qualifying for the French Grand Prix.

Bernie Ecclestone has hit back at claims that his attempts to finance digital coverage of Formula One caused British viewers to miss out on qualifying for the French Grand Prix.


British broadcaster ITV was unable to show action from Saturday's session because it was refused access to the circuit in a row over contracts and payment. According to Ecclestone, the company were offered the live qualifying package, but initially intended to show highlights after the event. By the time ITV went back to the sport's paymaster to request the live coverage, the contracts had been sealed.


"They have dragged their feet for two years," Ecclestone told the British Sunday Express newspaper, "I have allowed them to show qualifying and have other shows, but I owe it to my company to sort it out.


"I said to them 'do you want live qualifying?' - in fact, I said that they should have it, that it was good television at one o'clock on most Saturdays - but they said 'oh no, we won't be trying to televise it live.' That is in the contract. They did a deal with me and were very happy, as I was. Then, a bit later, they came back and said they had changed their minds, they did want to show qualifying live and would need cameras and other access facilities.


"I am as sorry as anyone. I was looking forward to watching a great session, but it is not my fault that it wasn't shown."


The future situation remains unresolved, although ITV insists it will cover Silverstone qualifying.

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