ITV told off; RedBull sign up for more!

July 19, 2005 by paul
Filed under: Uncategorized

F1 broadcaster ITV has been censured by the British television watchdog after cutting to a commercial break during the exciting climax to the San Marino GP.

‘Ofcom’ ruled that ITV breached Section 6.7(b) of the industry rules by returning after a nearly three minute break to the Michael Schumacher versus Fernando Alonso battle on the last lap.

”In retrospect,” a statement cited ITV’s defense, ”the break should have been taken earlier but, at the time, it had been a difficult call to make.”

ITV, who took over the F1 mantle from the BBC in 1997, had also been criticised for cutting to another break instead of airing Jenson Button’s comments in the post race conference.

Ofcom, though – despite the disapproval – took no action.

Also, BBC’s F1 news reports that “Red Bull have joined Ferrari in commiting to Formula One until 2012.” (Ferrari are Red Bull’s engine supplier for next year, so maybe there was a little persuasion there?) … update: almost as if it’s a reply to my suggestion, updateF1.com reports “Red Bull has denied it was persuaded to side with 2006 engine supplier Ferrari in a political war for F1′s future.” Sure, OK, if you say so.

Oh, and (as most people expected) Dutchman Robert Doornbos will replace Austrian Patrick Friesacher at Minardi from this weekend’s German Grand Prix. [BBC] I guess that’ll make it a Double Dutch driver line-up.