Narain to promote F1 on ESPN

ESPN STAR Sports today announced the reacquisition of the live and exclusive broadcast rights of FIA Formula One (F1) world championships in India.

The broadcaster has signed a 5-year agreement with F1 organisers. Under the terms of the agreement, ESPN STAR Sports will broadcast live and exclusive coverage of all 19 championship races of F1 from 2006 till 2010.

ESPN STAR Sports has also signed Narian Karthikeyan for
promoting and building F1.

R C Venkateish, managing director of ESPN Software India, said: "We have been on a spree of acquiring new sports properties for our viewers in India.  In the recent  past, we have acquired the Confederation Cup and the World Cup  soccer 2006, TNA wrestling, Hockey rights and now the F1 for full five years. These acquisitions place us uniquely as a wholesome  sports broadcaster with the longest list of properties across every single discipline."

"The new F1 deal represents the continuation of a successful partnership between ESPN STAR Sports and F1. We are also delighted to sign Narain Karthikeyan as an ambassador for building the F1 sport in India.  We will use his presence in the F1 circuit to further grow the sport's popularity in India. We will start our promotional campaign with Narian in an on-ground event in Narian 's home town, Coimbatore, in the first half of August 2005," he added.