American fans of Formula 1 racing know that television coverage of the series changed networks in an announcement that was made toward the end of the 2012 season. Once shown on SPEED, now NBC SPORTS has taken over. The network will broadcast the Australian Grand Prix, taking place this weekend, both live and in taped-delay formats. As of late Friday (New York time), three-peat world champion driver Sebastian Vettel of the Red Bull team has so far clocked the fastest times in practice on the Melbourne circuit. When can fans tune in to watch the actual race?
The race takes place at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne. Fans should tune in to NBC SPORTS for live coverage beginning at 1:30 a.m. Eastern Sunday, March 17. The network will re-broadcast the race at 1:00 p.m. Eastern time, according to NBC SPORTS. Those interested in watching the all-important qualifying session the day before the race, should tune in to NBCSN on Saturday from 2 to 3:30 a.m. ET.
Making naysayers sit up and take notice, NBC Sports Group has announced that it plans extensive coverage of the world-popular, but American-challenged, racing series. It will air over 200 hours of F1 programming, including races, practices, qualifying, studio shows before and after races, and behind-the-scenes features.
Commentators whom fans are familiar with from SPEED's coverage -- racer David Hobbs and mechanic Steve Matchett, join Leigh Diffey (taking over the spot known by fans as belonging to Bob Varsha on SPEED). Will Buxton has moved over to NBC with the team to report from all 19 races, on-site. NBC reports Buxton will travel approximately 115,000 miles covering 19 races in 19 different countries around the world.
In addition to NBC SPORTS, NBC proper will air several Formula One races in the 2013 season including Monaco, Montreal, the U.S. Grand Prix in November, and the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel, who has nicknamed his RB9 car "Hungry Heidi," drives to defend his title against a field of 21 other racers, each of whom would like to take the championship for themselves.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Connie Ann Kirk is the author of several books and holds a Ph.D. in English. With Irish historic racer, Dr. John R. T. Monson of Rochester, she is working on a book about racers and racing.
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