F1 must wait until 2012 for HD broadcasts

Formula one fans are facing a long wait for the sport to be broadcast on television in High Definition.

The newly-published results of the recent FOTA-commissioned fan survey showed that 70 per cent want the track action televised in HD.

On Saturday night in Montreal, members of the media were given a demonstration of both HD as well as new 3D technology — after a Lotus car carried a 3D camera in practice sessions at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

But even HD is a long way off for F1, F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone said.

“As soon as the broadcasters tell me they want it,” he said, “we can do it.

“I think next year is too soon; we’re looking at more like 2012.”

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