Singapore – ESPN STAR Sports (ESS) and Formula One Management (FOM) announced that they have agreed to renew their relationship for another five years. The new agreement awards ESS exclusive rights to broadcast the FIA Formula One World Championship (F1) across multiple platforms in 24 Asian markets. Hailed as a landmark deal for ESS and FOM in Asia, it will see ESS getting exclusive rights to showcase F1 action across platforms including TV, internet, mobile and radio. The deal includes a number of firsts for F1 in Asia: the first time that Formula One rights have been awarded on a platform neutral basis; the first time that radio rights have been included; the first time ESS will have terrestrial rights in a number of key markets; and the first time F1 content will be made available on a linear and non-linear basis. The rights would cover ESS’ major markets of India, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and South Korea. Manu Sawhney, managing director, ESS, said, “We are delighted to continue our 17-year partnership with Formula One Management through this new agreement. ESS continues to build the sport of motor racing amongst fans in Asia and with many new platforms and avenues including internet, mobile and radio, F1 fans in Asia can look forward to the most comprehensive and entertaining experience with us.”