Spark offers first Formula 1 race to TVNZ following Spark Sport delay

Monday, 11 March 2019

Spark will allow TVNZ to screen Sunday's Australian Formula 1 race free-to-air after admitting its Spark Sport internet streaming platform won't be fully ready.

As late as Thursday, spokeswoman Ellie Cross was giving assurances that Spark Sport would 'get there in time' and launch with enough notice for people to sign up to pay to watch the event 'no problem'.

But Spark said in a statement on Monday that it would now only launch later this week with support for 'a limited range of devices and apps'.

'The internet streaming platform is very nearly ready to launch and from a viewer experience perspective is looking great,' head of sport Jeff Latch said.

Not all elements of Spark Sport will be on the grid for Sunday's Australian Grand Prix.

But he said it was still 'fine tuning the last few outstanding issues'.

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'As this means Formula 1 fans won't have much time to set up Spark Sport, and we won't be live on all mobile devices at launch, we wanted to ensure Formula 1 fans have the option to watch all the key action via our partnership with TVNZ,' he said.

The practice rounds and qualifying session for the Grand Prix will now be available live on TVNZ OnDemand with the race itself broadcast on TVNZ's Duke channel.

At launch, Spark Sport would be available through web browsers such as Chrome, Firefox and Safari, and through apps for iPads and iPhones, but not on Android devices, the company explained.

Support for Apple TV, Samsung, Panasonic, LG and Sony Smart TVs 'and more' would also come later, it said.

Spark Sport will be free for the first month after its launch, with the company saying it should be regarded as a 'Beta' (trial) service during that period.

Spark managing director Simon Moutter has suggested Spark Sport could create another one million armchair sports fans.

After the month's free trial, Spark Sport will cost $19.99 a month for all its events barring September's Rugby World Cup in Tokyo which will be priced separately.

Spark managing director Simon Moutter has not ruled out offering discounts in future, for example to Spark broadband customers.

Last month, he said the service could allow another one million Kiwis to watch paid sports, by providing a cheaper alternative to Sky Sport.

Vodafone and 2degrees have both expressed interests in wholesaling the service to their customers.