Speedvision to carry US F1 coverage.

American motorsport specialist Speedvision has reached an agreement with Bernie Ecclestone to carry the nation's Formula One coverage in 2001.

Speedvision founder and CEO Roger Werner announced yesterday that the broadcaster has reached an agreement to show exclusive footage of the 2001 world championship, ending a possible vacuum in the US market. American F1 fans have been increasingly concerned that they would not be able to access live coverage of their chosen sport, but the cable network stepped up to the plate at just the right time. Ironically, however, only the US Grand Prix at Indianapolis will not be covered by the new agreement, as F1 bosses attempt to negotiate a separate deal.

"We're pleased to extend our relationship with Formula One, now on an exclusive basis, and look forward to another exciting season of the world's most popular open wheel racing," Werner said on the station's internet site (www.speedvision.com).

Speedvision's experienced commentary team will again take up the reins for 2001, with Bob Varsha co-ordinating coverage alongside summarisers Sam Posey, David Hobbs and Steve Matchett.