India’s leading sports broadcasting entity, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has obtained three-year exclusive television and digital rights to the electric racing championship, Formula E.
SPNI will air all of the championship’s 10th season races on Sony Sports Network television channels. Furthermore, the event will be aired live on SPNI’s OTT platform, SonyLIV, where fans can watch practice sessions, qualifying, and races.
The top media company began broadcasting the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship with the 2024 Hankook Mexico City E-Prix in January. The 2024 Misano E-Prix, set for April 13 and April 14, will be aired live on Sony Sports Ten 1 and Sony Sports Ten 5 channels, in addition to being live-streamed on SonyLIV.
Sony will also carry Formula E’s behind-the-scenes series Unplugged, which will follow Maserati MSG Racing driver Jehan Daruvala throughout his maiden season racing in the championship.
The 10th Formula E racing season will be televised live and exclusively in India on Sony Sports Network, with additional coverage in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Sony Sports Network has a history with Formula E, providing coverage during the fourth, fifth, and sixth seasons. Sony created an ad promoting the Championship, including India’s Jehan Daruvala, to kick off the collaboration. In the campaign, Jehan, as “Mumbai Ka Chokra,” tries to localise Formula E and gain viewer support with the rallying cry: “The Ride has just begun.”
Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer – Distribution & International Business and Head – Sports Business, Sony Pictures Networks India, said, “We are thrilled to announce our multi-year partnership to broadcast all Formula E races live on Sony Sports Network. Formula E enjoys a loyal following among motorsports fans in India and we expect it to grow further with the inclusion of rising star, Jehan Daruvala. Formula E is the future of motorsports racing in the world and we are confident that the strong Indian connection is bound to ensure more love from sports enthusiasts in India.”
Aarti Dabas, Chief Media Officer, Formula E, commented, “With enthusiastic, diverse and young sports fanbase, India is an important growth market for us. As such, we are delighted to have teamed up with Sony Sports Network to supercharge this growth. This partnership guarantees that Indian fans will enjoy unparalleled access to Formula E content. This includes live coverage of every race on Sony’s linear and digital channels, featuring rookie driver and local favourite Jehan Daruvala and their home-grown team, Mahindra, who have been part of Formula E since the first season.”
Jehan Daruvala, Driver, Maserati MSG Racing, said, “I am excited to be pursuing my Formula E racing career knowing that I have a huge and passionate fanbase following me through Sony Pictures Networks. It is a dream come true to join Maserati MSG Racing, and I am committed to doing my very best for the team and the fans back home, and around the world.”
In Season 10 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, 11 race teams will compete in 16 races throughout 10 historic locations, including debuts for Misano (Italy) and Shanghai. The event will go to Mexico City, Diriyah, São Paulo, Monaco, Berlin, and Portland before concluding in London on July 20-21, 2024.