The BBC warned Bernie Ecclestone about “facing problems”, the F1 chief executive has admitted.<\/p>\n
His comments follow reports this week that the British broadcaster’s highly respected free-to-air live television coverage of formula one might be dropped for 2013.<\/p>\n
It has been feared that the only option for F1 in the BBC’s absence would be Rupert Murdoch’s pay network Sky, but the Daily Mail newspaper said ITV – the F1 broadcaster between 1997 to 2008 – might also be interested.<\/p>\n
“We want formula one to stay free to viewers,” Ecclestone said.\u00a0 “That is 100 per cent.<\/p>\n
“They (the BBC) did warn me that they were facing problems but, so far, nothing more has been said.\u00a0 I hope they want to keep us because it is such a success and I will do my best,” the 80-year-old added.<\/p>\n
It has been suggested the reports might indicate the BBC’s desire to continue to broadcast F1 with improved contractual terms.<\/p>\n
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