[sesIgnose]

I think above posts have said it all.

I have only watched F1 since the early 90's but have collection since the later 80s. So I can only speak first hand since then, but here goes.

I think F1 coverage has always evolved and improved.

I believe (correct me if i am wrong) that pre 1978 BBC only showed classic races, then in 1978 they decided to show every race and thus coverage improved.

BBC then got a bit complacent. Even into the 90's they didn't change much about their coverage.

And as bad a press as ITV get (taking out ads) they actually did an OK job. They bought in an hours pre show and although some articles on their shows was a bit bizzare, we got a wider picture of the upcoming race. Then they got Brundle down on the grid and we got to see a different angle on the F1 preparations.

They then got Steve Rider and Blundell down in the pitlane and paddock, which led to BBC and Sky doing the same.

Then BBC got the rights and now upped the game to a fantastic new level, no ads. A more detailed hours build up, and practice sessions (which to be fair ITV could really never broadcast in the early days. Only when ITV2,3 & 4 came around I suppose) live.

The BBC is pretty much as good as it could get. Sky have taken many of the ITV/BBC features on and do a similarly good job. The only thing Sky could do to give F1 a further boost (from their & Bernies point of view), was the F1 channel, where you get old races. Extra reaction and weekly updates.

All in all F1 can't get much better really. Other than all races back on BBC.