BBC to broadcast Formula E live in 2018/19

The BBC will broadcast the ABB Formula E Championship in the UK through the all-electric championship's fifth season, with all races set to be shown live via its digital platforms.

After being shown on Channel 5 through the 2017/18 season, Formula E will now switch across to the BBC, which has not broadcast any live four-wheel motorsport since losing the rights to show Formula 1 at the end of 2016.

Starting with the season-opening Ad Diriyah E-Prix in Saudi Arabia on December 15, the entire Formula E season will be shown live across the BBC via its red button service, the BBC Sport website and BBC iPlayer.

As per the announcement from Formula E: "Alongside the comprehensive online and digital coverage of the electric street racing series, one E- Prix will also be transmitted live on BBC network television this coming season."

“The ABB FIA Formula E Championship will continue to be broadcast to the masses and across a variety of platforms in the UK," said Ali Russell, Media and Business Development Director at Formula E.

"It’s imperative that Formula E remained on a free-to-air network in such an important territory and key market for motorsport. What better place to showcase some of the best and most competitive racing than on the BBC.

"We’re fully-charged and ready for the new season on the streets of the most recognisable cities - and this year promises to be more intense and unpredictable than ever."

Barbara Slater, Director of BBC Sport, added: “It’s great news that live motorsport is returning to our screens at the BBC. I’ve no doubt the upcoming season will bring with it some exciting wheel-to-wheel moments and we can’t wait for it to begin.”

Viewers in the UK will also be able to watch Formula E via YouTube for Season 5 after the series announced a new streaming partnership at the end of October.